Russian Blue Cat

　　Usually, a common body language among many animals when feeling fear is to curl their bodies to appear much smaller than they actually are. When trying to scare others, they make their bodies appear larger. For example, when a cat feels scared, it will squat on the ground and curl its body tightly, even drooping its ears, making itself look much smaller than it really is, as if conveying: “I am a very small and weak cat. I know you are strong, so please don’t attack me.”

　　Conversely, when wanting to intimidate others, the cat will arch its body to look bigger and stronger, as if saying: “If I strike, you’ll regret it. So don’t come to bother me.” At that time, the cat will support itself with its paws, arch the back into a curve, every hair will stand on end, even the tail will be raised. We might think this means the cat is “angry,” but more accurately, it is a threat display saying, “If you come any closer, I will attack.” In other words, as long as you don’t approach, you won’t be attacked.

　　Whether adopting a fearful posture or a threatening one, the cat is communicating a message: “Do not attack.” The difference lies in whether it is in a timid state or a dominant state. Through these degrees of timidity or dominance, the outcome is decided. Unless both sides are very strong, a fight won’t break out.