Why Do Some Cats Hold Their Tails Across Their Backs Like A Squirrel
Why Do Some Cats Hold Their Tails Across Their Backs Like a Squirrel?
If you’ve ever wondered why some cats hold their tails across their back, you’re not alone. Many cats do the same thing, and there’s a good reason for it. They are signaling aggressiveness, protecting themselves from a predator, and communicating with their humans. So what is the best explanation for your cat’s behavior? Continue reading to learn the answer to this age-old question.
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Keeping a vertical object between themselves and a predator
If you’ve ever been around a squirrel, you may have noticed that it holds its tail in a high position against its back to keep a vertical object between it and its predator. Often, this helps the squirrel survive by acting as a mini-parachute or rudder. It also communicates with its predator through its tail position. A squirrel can convey different emotions, including fear and annoyance, through its tail. If they’re scared or in pain, they may flatten their ears.
The tail of a squirrel acts as a warning to other squirrels when a predator approaches, and it will flick its tail to alert other squirrels to their location. When an aerial predator approaches, it won’t use its tail, because it can’t hide from the predator. This is also a good defense strategy for your cat and is a great way to keep an aerial predator from catching your pet.
Signaling aggression
The behavior of squirrels can indicate aggression. Scientists have observed the squirrels’ tails waving side to side, and studied their body language. They found that a squirrel in an aggressive position would stand on their hind feet, hold their tail across their back, and raise their ears vertically. These signals have a startling effect on the other animal. In addition to tail waving, squirrels may raise their ears in an oblique manner, as if to warn off an attacker.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley studied the behavior of 22 fox squirrels. They trained the squirrels to open containers and get walnuts. Whenever they were frustrated, they flicked their bushy tails to signal displeasure. The squirrels also exhibited other behaviors like biting, flipping, and dragging their tails. Ultimately, the behavior was a signal of frustration, not aggression.
Protecting themselves from a predator
Why do some cats hold their tails across their backs, like a squirrel? To protect themselves from predators, squirrels have a strong flight instinct. They often seek shelter in buildings, and they can hide from predators by moving swiftly. But they can also carry diseases that can be harmful to their human companions. This behavior could be an adaptation to an environment in which they are more vulnerable.
When they see a ground predator, squirrels will twitch their tails in order to flag themselves as a sentinel, a body language reminiscent of a sentinel. In addition to marking their territory, squirrels use this behavior to protect their food sources and other squirrels. If a squirrel encounters an aerial predator, it might try to take advantage of its tail to catch the prey.
Communicating with you
Cats can also make a number of different sounds and gestures to communicate with their owners. Some cats rub their tails against you, while others follow you into a room while sleeping. Others may hold their tails across their backs like a squirrel to communicate with you. These sounds can be mimicked by humans. The softening of the gaze can help reduce tension.
Squirrels wiggle their tails when they are frustrated. They may try to open boxes in hopes of receiving walnuts, but fail when they get the walnuts they desire. These noises also serve as a form of communication, as they allow them to orient themselves toward a threat and lose interest in the activity. Some cats even hold their tails across their backs like a squirrel to communicate with you.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
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