How do cats press their ears? - briefly
Cats use muscles located in their ears and neck to press or flatten their ears against their heads. These muscles are controlled by the brain and can be activated voluntarily by the cat, often as a response to various stimuli or emotions.
How do cats press their ears? - in detail
Cats have a unique ability to press their ears, which is not only a sign of affection but also plays an important role in their communication and behavior. This action is primarily controlled by muscles located within the ear structure.
The cat's ear has several muscles that allow it to move and position the ear pinnae (the outer part of the ear). These muscles include the extrinsic muscles, which are responsible for moving the entire ear, and the intrinsic muscles, which control more specific movements such as tilting or rotating the ear. When a cat presses its ears, it is primarily using these intrinsic muscles to flatten the ear pinnae against the side of the head.
The process begins with the cat's sensory system detecting a stimulus that triggers the desire to press the ears. This could be a sign of affection, such as petting or stroking, or it could be in response to a threat or unfamiliar situation. The signal travels from the sensory receptors through the nervous system to the brain, which then sends commands to the muscles within the ear.
The intrinsic muscles contract and relax in a coordinated manner to flatten the ear pinnae. This action is often accompanied by other body language cues, such as purring or kneading, which provide additional context for the cat's emotional state. For example, if the cat is purring while pressing its ears, it is likely a sign of contentment and relaxation.
However, if the cat presses its ears in response to a perceived threat, the action may be accompanied by other defensive body language cues, such as flattening the body or dilating the pupils. In this context, the ear pressing serves as a way for the cat to make itself appear smaller and less threatening to potential predators.
In summary, cats press their ears using intrinsic muscles within the ear structure, which are controlled by signals from the nervous system in response to various stimuli. This action is an important part of a cat's communication repertoire and can provide valuable insights into its emotional state and intentions.