YOGYAKARTA - Cats are captivating creatures, with graceful and mystery movements that always attract attention. One unique feature that often makes you curious is why cats don't make sounds while walking. The secret behind this ability lies in the anatomy and natural behavior of cats that support their lifestyle as hunters.
Here are some scientific reasons that explain why the cat's move is barely heard:
The cat has a special cushion on its foot sole which functions as a sound absorber. This pillow is made of soft fat and muscle tissue, so it can reduce pressure when the cat's feet touch the surface.
The function of this cushion is not only to make the cat's steps quiet, but also to provide stability when they jump or land. Thanks to this structure, cats can walk quietly, even on the hard surface, without making a sound. This helps them to approach prey secretly.
One of the uniqueness of a cat is its ability to hide nails. The cat's nails are covered by elastic membranes known as "kuke skin," so they don't come into direct contact with the floor as the cat walks.
Unlike other animals that have hard nails, cats can keep their steps silent. This ability is very useful, especially when cats hunt or stalk prey. With hidden nails, they can move without giving a signal of their whereabouts.
Cats have a different walking style than most animals. When walking, front legs and back legs on the same side move almost simultaneously. This pattern of steps is called direct registering, where the cat's back feet landed right where the front legs were previously located.
This pattern not only provides a good balance but also reduces the sound of steps. This technique allows cats to run more stable, both on slippery, rocky terrain, and when they need to move without attracting attention.
As a natural predator, cats are designed to hunt with high efficiency. The ability to move without sound is an important part of their strategy. The silent move allows cats to approach prey undetected, so they can strike at the right moment.
In addition, this behavior is also inherited from the ancestors of domestic cats that live in the wild. In the natural environment, silent steps are not only useful for hunting but also for avoiding larger predators.
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Benefits Of Quiet Steps For Domestic Cats
The cat's ability not to make sounds while walking is also relevant to domestic cats. Although most pet cats no longer hunt to survive, these instincts remain part of their natural behavior. Quiet steps allow them to move confidently around the house without disturbing those around them.
In addition, this behavior is also seen when cats play. They tend to move secretly before "attacking" toys or objects they think of as prey.
So, the ability why cats don't make sounds while walking is the result of extraordinary evolutionary adaptation. Efficient pillows on the legs, hidden nails, unique pattern of steps, and natural hunter character all contribute to this silent move.
For cat lovers, understanding this uniqueness not only adds to the admiration for their pets, but also reveals the reasons why cats are one of the most effective predators in nature. So, every time you see a cat walking elegantly without sound, remember that it is the result of thousands of years of natural adaptation that makes it a creature full of mystery.
In addition, also know the reason why the cat is always hungry even though it has been given food
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