What cats see when they look in the mirror: the answer will surprise you

Observing cats, you can see that they are not indifferent to mirrors. The reaction can vary from interest to fear.

Looking in the mirror, cats sniff at their reflection, touch the surface, and sometimes even start meowing and scratching the glass. Read the OBOZREVATEL article to find out where this range of emotions comes from.

People and animals perceive the world differently. Cats, looking in the mirror, do not realise that they see their own reflection. They usually think that they are looking at a stranger, so they begin to actively study the "unknown object".

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 own reflection as a strange cat that has entered their territory. This violates their sense of security. Therefore, a cat in front of a mirror may begin to behave aggressively and wary. Among the most striking manifestations are hissing, meowing, a curved posture, tense muscles, a tail pressed to the body, and raised fur. When a cat sees its own reflection in the mirror also take on aggressive postures, it may feel afraid.

Later, when the cat realises that the "stranger" has no smell, it 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. Which cats will quickly learn to go to the litter box and won't cause damage in the house - read in this material.

In the past OBOZREVATEL told why the cat touches water with its paws before drinking.

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