
Body pressed low to ground
PostureAlert
Crouching Low
Ready to act, tense, or physically unwell
Tension
Alert
Interpretation
CBody pressed low, limbs tucked under, eyes wide. This posture has two very different meanings: if pupils are dilated and tail twitches, the cat is coiled to pounce (hunting or play); if ears are flat and eyes avoidant, it may be scared or unwell. ombine with other signals to judge. Staying crouched without moving for extended periods may signal pain.
How to respond
Check tail and ears: if playful crouch, offer a toy; if tense crouch, give it space.
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