Why Do Cats Wiggle Before They Attack?
Cats are mysterious creatures, and their behavior can often appear quite strange. One such behavior is the “butt wiggle” or a cats’ hind legs twitching and wiggling before they attack. It can be a bit alarming for cat owners who suddenly witness their cat behaving this way, so why exactly do cats wiggle before they attack?
Finalizing Plans
Believe it or not, cats are very deliberate when they hunt. When they wiggle their hind legs, they are actually finalizing their plan of attack. Much like great generals strategizing before battle, cats will wiggle their hind legs to make sure they are correctly balanced in order to perfectly land their “attack”.
Hunting Instincts
Cats are expert hunters and their butt wiggle is a remnant of their wild hunting instincts. During their stalk, they will move their hind legs in order to fool their prey and to make sure they are nicely positioned to launch an attack. In fact, even though cats are kept indoors and are being fed by their owners, they will still perform this ritual before they start “hunting” – also known as playing – with their toys.
Cats Know Best
Although we may never fully understand the mysterious behavior of cats, it is certain that cats know what they are doing. So, if you own a cat, don’t be surprised if you suddenly see them wiggling their hind legs – it’s just their way of getting ready for a successful hunting move!
Signs of an Upcoming Attack:
Here are some common signs of an upcoming attack:
- Tail twitching: The tail usually twitches with increasing intensity as the cat becomes more excited.
- Body shrinking: Cats almost slink away to become low to the ground and stretch their entire body forward.
- Low growling: You will likely hear a low growling sound as the cat’s excitement level increases.
- Wide eyes: His eyes become huge as he gets ready to attack.
It seems that cats really have it all figured out when it comes to hunting and it’s all thanks to their wild instincts and the butt wiggle they use to finalize their attack plans. As cat owners, it is important to understand the behavior of our furry friends and know that the wiggling of their hind legs can often be a sign of an upcoming attack.
3. Could the wiggle motion be a form of communication among cats?
Yes, it’s possible that cats use their wiggle motion as a form of communication. Cats may use this motion to interact with other cats or with humans. This motion can be an expression of contentment and pleasure, or it can be a sign of aggression or warning. Cat owners should pay attention to their cats’ body language and learn to recognize the different types of wiggle motions they use in order to better understand their pet’s needs and moods.
1. Why do cats wiggle before they attack a small animal or object?
Cats wiggle before they attack a small animal or object in order to psych themselves up for the attack. Cats tend to stretch and make themselves as big as possible before they pounce. This helps them generate the power necessary to launch their attack. Additionally, cats may be using the wiggling to get the attention of their prey so they can attack more effectively.