Ears are essential for communication throughout the animal kingdom. we hear words, sounds, and inflections that allow us to quickly assess any situation. to people, they’re mostly static, except for that guy who can move them. but cats use their ears in a way that puts human parlor tricks to shame. In addition to being able to rotate them independently up to 180 degrees, they also hear higher frequencies and can detect a chirp at five times the distance from people. Beyond their hearing powers, cat ears are also beacons of information. so cats with their ears back have an important message. Let’s learn what backward-eared cats mean and how you can use this information to interact with your kitties.
Are your cat’s ears pinned back or are they airplane ears?
cats evolved to maximize their survival. while they are often considered hunters, they are also prey animals. Being able to hear prey and predators is key to staying alive. that’s where the engineering of a cat’s magnificent ears comes into its own. cat ears turn towards sound. cats point their ear canals in the direction of your voice or a suspicious rustle. their ears also signify their moods. ears up and forward means they are alert. ears that point to the sides, also known as “airplane” ears, indicate that they are becoming nervous or anxious. You’ll probably notice your cat’s airplane ears when he experiences something strange.
however, cats with their ears back in a pinned position send a different message. author dr. Katherine Houpt, VMD, PhD, Diplomate — American College of Veterinary Behaviorists James Law Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Emeritus, says, “The more fearful a cat is, the flatter its ears will get. most cat aggression is rooted in fear.”
cat ears pinned back indicate aggression is on the rise
for cats with back-ears, although the stimulus may stem from fear, it often turns into aggression. In addition to paying attention to the cat’s flat ears, keep an eye on its pupils. “You can tell how scared a cat is by its pupils: the more scared a cat is, the bigger its pupils will get. however, an offensively aggressive cat will not have large pupils. and a cat that moves its head from side to side with its ears back is in a very aggressive state.”
dr. Margaret Gruen, PhD, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says, “Often when aggression increases, ears back will be accompanied by other [things], including body posture and vocalizations consistent with the assault. the cats are trying to tell us something, we just have to be willing to listen.”
A good way to tell the difference between “airplane” ears and pinned cat ears is whether or not you can see the opening of the ear canals. “If you can’t see the opening of the ears, your cat’s ears are pinned back or flattened back from fear or aggression,” says dr. jump.
how to handle cats with back ears
dr. houpt indicates that the majority of cat aggressions are towards other cats. A trip outside of your cat’s comfort zone, such as a vet appointment, can result in cats with backward ears. talking cat is helpful when calming down an aggressive feline and to fully assess the situation.
If you find your cat’s ears are showing back, proceed with caution. “Putting an upside-down laundry basket on top of the cat is a good way to quickly contain it,” says dr. hop she explains that you can then gently push the cat into another room, where he has the opportunity to calmly settle down. this quick maneuver can help prevent a cat attack. dr. hoput recommends checking the cat every hour. while he checks on the cat, offer him food. you’ll know he feels better when he eats the food.
Because triggers, such as going to the vet, can create aggressive cats with their ears back, it’s helpful to condition the cat to the process leading up to the trigger. If your cat becomes aggressive during vet visits, Dr. marty becker, dvm, suggests leaving the cat cage outside and rewarding your cat when he enters it. leave a bowl of your favorite food in there with the door open; It is important that your cat knows that the carrier has nothing to fear. dr. Becker also recommends taking the cat on practice runs to the vet’s office, where the cat gets extra treats on each trip. again, alleviating the fear that leads to aggression is the ultimate solution to prevent flattened ears and disheveled fur.
prick up your own ears
Living with cats means taking the time to understand your cat’s intentions and emotions. Your kitty’s ears are windows into her world, so paying close attention to them is crucial. Cats with their ears back, with no ear canal openings showing, is a sure sign that it’s time to proceed with caution. Recognizing what your cat’s ears are telling you will help you manage it correctly.
thumbnail: ©points photography | thinkstock.
Read more about cat behavior on catster.com:
- cat meow: what does this strange sound mean?
- depression in cats: signs, causes and how to treat it
- why does your cat lick you?
