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Lateral raised ear tips
If the cat’s ears are slightly pricked to the side, it means that the animal is relaxed and comfortable. This is the resting position of the hearing organ that they show when the animals are comfortable and relaxed, illustrating a relaxed state in cat physical gestures. If the cat’s eyes are also half closed, it is in a very calm and relaxed mood. Cats often show this ear position when they are petted, a part of understanding cat physical gestures.
Ears pricked forward
If the animal’s ears are forward and in an upright position, the cat is attentive and curious. If the cat wants to play, it also shows a so-called play face. The eyes are then also wide open, the pupils usually very small. An even clearer sign of joy in playing is when the animals also wiggle their hindquarters, which causes their pupils to open very wide.
Ears erect
If the cat’s ears are extremely pricked and the animal is trying to appear larger, in most cases this means that caution is required. Because the animal could be very tense or on the hunt. The cat may have noticed a disturbing change in its environment, or may feel threatened. In any case, erect ears are a sign that the cat is alarmed. When the animal is on the hunt, it also crouches and tries to be inconspicuous. Angry cats usually prick up their ears as well. In addition, they show other signs such as raised back fur, a hump and a stiff tail. Some animals also raise the fur on their necks and cheeks. All of these are signs that the cat wants to appear larger and, if in doubt, is even ready to attack.
Side ears
Cats exhibit side-leaning ears for two possible reasons. You should also note the degree of opening of the pupil in order to be able to assess what is going on in the animal based on cat physical gestures. If the animal’s pupils are dilated with its ears flat, it’s likely frightened or might be showing a panic reaction. On the other hand, if the pupils are narrow, the animal is most likely disturbed or showing a reaction that could be interpreted through cat physical gestures. aggressive and is preparing to defend itself, a clear sign in cat physical gestures. However, if the cat’s ears are laid just slightly to the side, it means something else. This is a calming signal if at the same time they have their eyes slightly closed and their heads turned to the side. In this way, the animals usually convey to their conspecifics that they don’t want to do anything and signal that they just want to be left alone, a form of communication through cat physical gestures.
Ears laid back
If the cat’s ears are laid back, the animal is angry, a clear expression in cat physical gestures indicating the cat is feeling threatened or irritated. In addition, the four-legged friend usually has all paws in a position ready to jump or is already hissing. A clear warning sign that cat owners should take seriously, because the animal is under great stress and is about to attack. Here it is advisable to act soothingly and to give the cat its space, respecting the cat’s physical gestures. If you approach the animal instead, it may growl or slap you with its paw, showing aggressive cat physical gestures. This should be avoided in any case.
One ear erected, the other bent
This position in cat ears can mean several things, highlighting the complexity of cat physical gestures. On the one hand it is possible that the cat has just picked up an auditory stimulus from another direction and is trying to locate the location of the sound with only one ear. This is an innate response as cats, as small predators and shy animals, need to be very aware of their surroundings at all times lest anyone contest their prey or attack them while they are distracted. Furthermore, the animals show this reaction when they are dozing or about to fall asleep really soundly. With their spatial hearing, they localize the sound without having to open their eyes, an advantage that helps understand the subtlety of cat physical gestures. If it stays with a short sound, after a short period of awareness the animal has no more reason to be uneasy. On the other hand, a bent and an erected ear can also be a sign of insecurity in the animals. In addition to the ear position, this state of mind in cats can also be recognized by the slow wagging of the tail from side to side, which is a significant part of deciphering cat physical gestures. The animal is then unsure of its cause, feels indecisive and uncomfortable.Twitching Ears
When a cat’s ears flick, it’s usually a sign that they are processing information from their environment. Twitching ears can indicate that the cat is alert, attentive, or curious about something happening around them. Here are some possible reasons for flicking ears in cats:
- Listening: Cats have highly sensitive ears capable of detecting even the slightest sounds. Flicking ears may indicate that the cat is actively listening to noises in their surroundings, such as the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the scurrying of small animals.
- Observing Movement: Cats are natural predators, and they’re instinctively drawn to movement. Flicking ears may signal that the cat is tracking the movement of prey, such as a flying insect or a toy being waved in front of them.
- Processing Information: Flicking ears can also indicate that the cat is processing visual or auditory information. They may be trying to make sense of something they’ve seen or heard, such as a sudden movement or an unfamiliar sound.
- Expressing Emotions: In some cases, flicking ears may be a reflection of the cat’s emotional state. For example, they may flick their ears in response to feeling excited, anxious, or curious about something happening around them.
- Communicating with Other Cats: Cats use a variety of body language cues to communicate with each other. Flicking ears can be part of their social interactions, signaling their intentions or emotions to other cats in the vicinity.
Other Different Positions of Cat Ears
The position of a cat’s ears can provide valuable insight into their mood, emotions, and intentions. Here’s a guide to understanding the different positions of cat ears:
- Forward and Upright: When a cat’s ears are forward and upright, it typically indicates that they are alert, curious, and engaged. This position is often seen when a cat is focused on something interesting or when they’re in a playful mood.
- Slightly Tilted Forward: Ears that are slightly tilted forward suggest that the cat is feeling friendly, relaxed, and receptive. They may be open to interaction and may approach you or other animals in a non-threatening manner.
- Flat Backwards: If a cat’s ears are flattened backward against their head, it’s a sign of fear, anxiety, or aggression. This defensive posture is often seen when a cat feels threatened or stressed and may be accompanied by other body language cues such as hissing or growling.
- Pinned Back: When a cat’s ears are pinned tightly back against their head, it’s a sign of extreme fear, aggression, or submission. This defensive posture is usually seen in situations where the cat feels trapped or overwhelmed and may indicate that they’re preparing to defend themselves or flee.
- Slightly Sideways or Relaxed: Ears that are slightly sideways or relaxed suggest that the cat is feeling calm, content, and relaxed. This position is often seen when a cat is resting or enjoying gentle petting and indicates that they’re feeling comfortable in their environment.
- Flicking or Twitching: Flicking or flicking ears can indicate that the cat is feeling playful, curious, or alert. They may be picking up on sounds or movements in their environment and are ready to investigate further.
- Rotated Outward: Ears that are rotated outward to the sides suggest that the cat is feeling uncertain or cautious. They may be assessing their surroundings and deciding whether it’s safe to proceed or if they should remain on high alert.
- One Ear Forward, One Ear Back: When a cat’s ears are in asymmetrical positions, with one ear forward and one ear back, it can indicate indecision or conflicting emotions. The cat may be unsure how to react to a situation and may be assessing their options.
