The issue of the chilling , merciless intensiveness in acat ’s eyesright before it swoop on an unsuspicious bird is somewhat bankrupt by how cute its little butt looks wiggle in the strain behind it .

There ’s no single explanation for this habit ( in part because there ’s not exactly a massive requirement for enquiry on the topic ) . But , as is the case withkneading , relaxing in sinks , and dozens of other perplexing feline behaviors , expert have some theories .

As unrecorded Sciencereports , it ’s potential thatcatsare endeavor to establish traction between their back legs and the ground in fiat to beef up their pounce . Feeling steady is especially important since they ’re jumping from two paw at the same time .

Shake it out.

“ Basically , when cats swoop , they ask to propel themselves using both hind limbs for full pasquinade . Usually when Arabian tea take the air , they jump their back leg , but when jump or pounce they apply both together , ” veterinary surgeon Katie GrzybtoldPetMD .

It could also be less about their leg and more about the ground itself . shift their system of weights from back mitt to back hand a few times may assist them avow that the Earth’s surface they ’re on is firm enough to pounce from . Or cats might just be get the same type of pocket-size adjustments that homo do before some grand muscular endeavour .

“ It seems they are preparing their brawniness for a big movement as they strategize — with midget movements of their foot and hind branch — much like a golfer does when set up at a teeing ground or a batter up to at-bat , ” veterinarian Meghan E. Herron told PetMD .

Excitement could be a factor , too . Catsenjoy hunting , and wiggling a little may be their way of letting off some of that redundant zip before go in for the kill . As for whether the pre - pounce wag has any heraldic bearing on their winner charge per unit , your guess is as good as ours .

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