House cats have all kinds of weird twitches and movements, which sometimes makes us wonder why they do it. Here’s why:
When cats play, they actually train to hunt their prey. They move their heads to perform a last check to confirm they have accurately homed in on their goal and are likely to get it. They are adapting their binocular vision to measure the depth and distance from the sight appropriately.
Cats achieve this by shaking their heads or wiggling, which is why they do it before pouncing.
Usually, cats move their hands side by side when about to pounce, when playing, or trying to ensure the distance of objects. This is what predators do. They use stereoscopic depth awareness to accurately track whatever they’re about to attack.
They may also lack the muscle control required to move their gaze freely as we do.
Thus, the cat could be psyching herself up for a jump or ensuring her depth awareness with the head shake. Cat doesn’t always see things, especially when she’s in motion, and turning her head creates the appearance of movement to what she’s looking at.
This is just one of the many fascinating aspects of cat behavior, which can sometimes differ significantly from how dogs behave, as explored in our post about the difference between dogs and cats trust.
They may twitch in all kinds of ways, just look at the one below:
It’s quite interesting to see, and they do it before pouncing as well.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Heads Before Pouncing?
Cats do this because of their hunting instinct, which shows when they are preparing to attack.
Before pouncing, my cats may create a chattering sound with their teeth. They will perform a last check to confirm they have appropriately targeted their goal and are likely to get it.
They have to fine-tune their vision to measure the depth and distance of the sight correctly. It looks like cats do this by shaking their heads or wiggling, which is why they do it right before they jump.
Predators often do this, and house cats are also predatory species. They employ stereoscopic depth perception to precisely track whatever they are about to attack. They may also lack the muscle control necessary to move their gaze freely, as we do, so they need to move their heads more.
Therefore, the cat is psyching herself up for a jump or reassuring herself of depth perception with the head shake. Cats don’t always notice things, especially when they’re moving, and rotating her head shows that what she’s looking at is moving.
Understanding Your Cat’s Body Language During Playtime
Understanding your cat’s body language can help you ensure a safe and enjoyable playtime experience for both you and your feline friend. Here are some signs to watch for:
Dilated pupils. This may indicate excitement or arousal during playtime. Be cautious, as it could also mean your cat is overstimulated and may become aggressive.
Tail position. A straight-up or curved tail usually signals a happy and relaxed cat, while a puffed-up tail indicates fear or aggression.
Ears. Forward-facing ears signify curiosity and engagement, while flattened ears indicate fear or aggression.
Body posture. A playful cat will have a relaxed and fluid body posture, while a tense or crouched body could mean your cat is scared or uncomfortable.
By observing these body language cues, you can better understand your cat’s feelings during playtime and adjust your interactions accordingly to create a positive and enjoyable experience. To further understand your cat’s behavior and needs, you might also be interested in learning about their digestion process and how long after eating they typically poop.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Heads After You Pet Them?
Many animals have this behavior, usually after something the animal deems unpleasant or bothersome. It’s an animal’s saying, “I wasn’t delighted with that interaction.”
Cats don’t always want to snuggle or be petted when their owners do. Learning about body language and how your cat communicates is beneficial. Then you may be sure that you are only holding or touching your pet when they want to be held or touched.
Also, try not to play with your cat with your hands, as it may lead to scratching behavior. Petting is fine, but using your hand as a toy is not good. To learn more about why cats scratch and how to prevent it, read our post on whether all cats scratch their owners.
Another reason a cat may shake their head is irritation in or around the ear/head area, which can signify various diseases. If your cat is shaking its head in response to no stimuli or if this is a new behavior, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Heads When They Eat?
A vet once told me that when a cat shakes its head while eating, it is intuitive for many wild cats, so it doesn’t fight back while being eaten. When a cat catches a mouse, it will frequently shake it to stun or kill it. This is to immobilize prey, and many predators do it. House cats have this instinct as well.
Once they have the victim’s neck in their mouth, this action is intended to break the victim’s neck, and I believe it is an innate response. I know this because I have seen this behavior in young kittens who have only been weaned.
It could also be a case of bad teeth or another type of harm. Only the veterinarian can be sure.
Visit our blog posts to learn more about cat behavior, and check out our guides for cat owners for comprehensive coverage on various feline health issues, and tips for feline care.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Tails?
Along with head movements, you might’ve noticed cats shaking their tails. This behavior is often a sign of emotional expression. A twitching tail can denote excitement, while vigorous tail shaking might indicate irritation. Observing the context in which your cat shakes its tail can provide clues about their emotional state.
Tips to Encourage Healthy Playtime for Cats
Encouraging healthy playtime for your feline friend is crucial to their mental and physical well-being. These tips will help you create enjoyable experiences that support their natural instincts and enhance your bond with your feline friend:
Rotate toys to keep them interested. Cats can get bored with the same toys, so regularly rotating them can help maintain their interest.
Use toys that mimic prey. Toys that resemble birds or mice can stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation.
Interactive play. Engage in interactive play with toys such as wand toys or laser pointers to bond with your cat and keep them entertained.
Provide a variety of play environments. Offer different play areas such as climbing trees, scratching posts, and hiding spots to keep your cat’s environment stimulating.
FAQs
Do cats like getting their heads touched?
Some cats have extremely low tolerance toward petting. Some cats enjoy head scratches, while others may find it overstimulating. Pay attention to your cat’s preferences and focus on areas they enjoy, such as under the chin or caressing their cheeks.
Why do cats shake their paws?
Cats shake their paws for various reasons, such as removing debris, discomfort from stepping on something wet, or even during dreams. Always check for any potential issues if your cat frequently shakes its paws.
How can you tell if a cat likes you or not?
Cats show affection in different ways, such as seeking your company, sitting on your lap, licking you, or bringing you “prey” (toys or actual prey). Observe your cat’s behavior to understand how it expresses its affection.
How long should playtime sessions be for cats?
Aim for at least two 10-15 minute play sessions per day to keep your cat active and engaged. Adjust the duration and frequency based on your cat’s age, energy levels, and preferences.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
