Speaking of fighting, we can be pretty fearsome if necessary, as you have surely observed in our paw-to-paw conflicts. Besides the steps commonly carried out that I just outlined for you in regard to territorial defense, we employ other advanced methods in an attempt to gain an advantage.
One example is arching our backs as high as we can and standing up our fur from our head to fluffed-out tail. Yeah, both of these things make us appear much bigger than we really are. With my being a long hair variety of my species, I can almost double my apparent size with this easy but effective trick. Pretty cool, huh!
Speed and accuracy of paw swats, including well-timed, evasive maneuvers, are always key factors too. But true size and strength are critical elements when having to face and trying to overpower a formidable opponent.
We also might turn sideways in order to increase the perception of our size and thus bring about more fear in the heart of our counterpart. And of course, we’ll lower our sensitive ears down and backward, both to protect them from being injured and to be more alert to any possible threatening movements behind us that are out of our direct, visual range.
All of this is a lot to organize and synchronize, as you can imagine, but that’s how we’re trained to get into fighting mode from the time we’re kitties. We’re thus combining intimidation techniques with actual fighting skills to improve our chances of not only winning but also coming out of the encounter relatively unharmed.
Typical, aggressive, offensive actions include sharp, swift swats to the face and body of the other with our forepaws, including some biting when you can quickly do that without getting swatted yourself in the process. In more rare instances, we might roll over upside down to be able to dig into our opponent’s belly, taking advantage of the strength and rapid circular movements of our hind legs, with our claws fully extended.
All in all, it’s not a pretty sight or something that we desire to get involved in. But we will do what needs to be done if called upon to defend what is rightfully ours.
Our basic feline philosophy that we learn as young kitties teaches us that fighting is to be avoided whenever possible. We are told that a calm, harmonious existence with frequent, relaxing catnaps accompanied by sufficient quantities of fresh, cut-up fish is the most desirable. What do you think about that? Does that sound pretty good?
Speaking for myself, it was a good lesson to be taught and I believe the vast majority of my species would agree with me. We take our school-day teaching very seriously and do our best to live in peace. Fighting? Well, we’re ready, but we only go into battle when absolutely necessary.