Cats have 7 cervical vertebrae like almost all mammals, 13 thoracic vertebrae , 7 lumbar vertebrae (humans have 5), 3 sacral vertebrae like most mammals , and, except for Manx cats, 22 or 23 caudal vertebrae.
The extra lumbar and thoracic vertebrae account for the cat's enhanced spinal mobility and flexibility, compared with humans.
The caudal vertebrae form the tail, used by the cat as a counterbalance to the body during quick movements.
Cats also have free-floating clavicle bones, which allows them to pass their body through any space into which they can fit their heads.
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