Cats are very graceful and nimble animals, and their walking posture is also characteristic. Have you ever noticed that cats walk on tiptoe instead of on their heels like humans?Why is that?
Actually, this is because cats belong to the toe-walking group, and the part that comes into contact with the ground when they walk is the phalangeal bone, which is what we call the toe, and the heel is not in contact with the ground. This posture is called the digitigrade posture. In addition to cats, there are many carnivores, such as dogs, tigers, lions, etc.
So, why do cats walk in a toe-walking position?This is because there are many benefits to this pose. First of all, the toe posture can make the cat's leg muscles more developed, increase the elasticity and strength of the legs, so that the cat can run and jump faster, and improve the success rate of catching prey. Secondly, the toe position can make the cat's steps lighter and quieter, reduce the friction with the ground, and allow the cat to approach prey or avoid enemies more stealthily. The toe posture can make the cat's paws more sensitive and sensitive, feel the temperature, humidity, smell and other information on the ground, and help the cat judge the surrounding environment and danger.
Of course, the cat's walking posture is not static, and they will also change according to different speeds, moods, environments, and other factors. For example, when cats walk, they will alternate in the order of "right forelimb - left hind limb - left forelimb - right hind limb", which is the reason for the cat's elegant gait. When cats trot, they will use the soles of their feet to touch the ground at the same time in a diagonal pattern, propelling their bodies forward. When cats run, they will use all their strength to move forward with the whole cat "wide open and closed".
In addition to the influence of speed, the way a cat walks can also be affected by mood and environment. Sometimes, cats repeat their previous footprints, a method known as "direct registration". This may be because the place where the front foot is stepped on is safer and there is no danger. Sometimes, cats will turn or go out of the figure, which may be because the cat's Xi is different, or there is an abnormality in bone development. Sometimes, cats will walk standing up, which may be because the cat wants to see farther, or wants to scare away opponents, or wants to get the attention of its owner. Sometimes, cats will shake their heads, which may be because the cat is sick or if something irritates its ears.
Finally, the way cats walk can also reflect their physical condition and emotions. For example, when a cat walks with its tail cocked, it usually indicates that they are in a good mood at the momentCats are pacing and walking, which usually means that they are in a very leisurely mood at the moment;Cats rolling and walking usually represent that they are in a mood of wanting to play at the momentWhen a cat's fur is blown up and walking, it usually means that they are very scared or angry at the moment.
The posture of a cat's walk is a very interesting and meaningful behavior, they not only help the cat adapt to different environments and situations, but also express the cat's mood and feelings. If you have a cat, you can observe its walking posture to understand its thoughts and needs, and improve your relationship and communication.
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