Cats wiggle their hindquarters before they pounce primarily to prepare their muscles and ensure stability for a powerful, accurate leap. This wiggling helps them check the solidity of the ground, gain better traction, and balance their body for the sudden burst of energy needed to catch prey or play objects. Additionally, this behavior warms up their hind leg muscles, engages their muscles for maximum power, and helps them align their pounce trajectory precisely. The wiggle also has an instinctive root from their wild ancestors, supporting their hunting skills and physical readiness for the pounce.
Key reasons for the wiggle:
- Testing ground solidity and traction to prevent slipping
- Balancing the body for a precise and effective leap
- Warming up and engaging muscles for strength and speed
- Aligning their position and angle for a successful pounce
- Instinctive behavior inherited from wild feline ancestors
These explanations collectively highlight that the wiggle is a natural, functional behavior to maximize hunting or playing success and minimize the risk of injury.
