Is a cat a liquid?

On the rheology of cats

A physicist asks the big question: is a cat a liquid? Answer: under the right conditions, yes.

Ig Nobel 2017

Rheology is the science of how things flow. A liquid takes the shape of its container, and cats famously pour themselves into sinks, boxes and vases.

Using real rheology concepts, the author shows that whether a cat counts as a solid or a liquid depends on how long you watch it. Given enough time, a cat will fill a vase.

the verdict

If it fits, it sits. If it sits long enough, it flows.