Did you know your cat's ears are telling you something?
Cats are known for communicating mostly through their body language, and their ears are one of the most articulate parts of their bodies. What are they trying to tell us through their ear movements, and what are the positions we shouldn’t ignore?
Just like a cat's tail tells a lot about your pet’s mood and intentions, its ears show feline emotions. Learning how to interpret your cat’s ear movements will help you understand how it feels, detect if they are unwell, and bond with your furball.
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While neutral and straight up & forward 'modes' indicate that the pet is calm and not against interacting, others can be a sign of a bad mood or even an illness.
More under this adMore under this adThese are three cat ear positions you shouldn’t ignore and the messages your cat tries to convey through them.
1. Twitching - can indicate ear mites
A cat with ears rotating in quick, sudden movements is on a mission. As an extension to the ‘straight up and forward’ move, a cat will move their ears back and forth and shake its backside when they're ready to pounce. Hunting instincts are perfectly healthy, so it’s best to let the feline indulge in the activity, unless the target is your body parts, of course. But if your cat twitches frequently and paws at their ears, contact your vet asap to rule out ear mites or other underlying health problems, Hill’s Pet writes.
More under this adMore under this ad2. Low and Sideways - indicates aggressive behaviour
If your cat's ears are flat like aeroplane wings, it’s frightened or nervous, which could lead to aggressive behaviour. The ear position shows that the animal is uncomfortable and needs some space, which you better give them or else you risk getting a swipe of their claws on her skin.
More under this adMore under this adWhen in this mood, your cat may hide in their favourite spot until they're feeling more secure, so it's important to respect their bubble and their privacy.
3. Low and Facing Out - can indicate an illness
This ear position may be signalling that your cat is well, according to Best Friends Animal Society. Cats are experts at hiding an illness, but this unique sign helps to identify if they are ‘under the weather'. Monitor your pet’s behaviour closely and watch their eyes and tail as they are the biggest giveaways. If you detect symptoms like the loss of appetite or wobbliness, contact the vet without delay.
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