What cats see when looking in the mirror: the answer will surprise you
When observing cats, you may notice that they are not indifferent to mirrors. The reaction can vary from interest to fear.
Looking in the mirror, cats sniff the reflection, touch the surface, and sometimes even start meowing and scratching the glass. Read OBOZREVATEL's article to find out where this range of emotions comes from.
People and animals perceive the world differently. Cats, when they look in the mirror, do not realize that they see their reflection. They usually think that they are looking at a stranger, so they begin to actively study the "unknown object."
To cats, it seems that they see predators in the mirror
Cats' dominant senses are smell and hearing. For them, a mirror is a continuation of the existing space in which they live. They perceive their reflection as another cat that has entered their territory, violating their sense of security. Therefore, a cat in front of a mirror may begin to behave aggressively and warily. Among the most striking manifestations are hissing, meowing, curved posture, tense muscles, tail pressed to the body, and raised fur. When a cat sees its own reflection in the mirror and takes on aggressive postures, it may feel afraid.
Over time, realizing that the "stranger" has no odor, the cat usually calms down and loses interest in the mirror. Young and playful cats even like to spend time playing with their reflection. However, one-way communication does get boring over time.
By the way, experts have compiled a rating of the most obedient cats with whom it is easy to find a common language. Read the article to find out which cats will quickly learn to go to the litter box and won't cause any harm in the house.
Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told why a cat touches the water with its paws before drinking.
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