Cats have been in the lives of humans for a very long time, and yet many of their behaviors are still a mystery. Take the butt-wiggle; for most cats, this wiggle happens just before they pounce.
We know that cats use the pounce to catch prey, although cats are quite speedy, the prey they chase is also quick. Their hunts are far more successful if they wait and watch until the prey comes close, then crouch down, wiggle, and pounce. All cats from house cats to tigers do the pre-wiggle before the pounce. But why?
Believe it or not, no one knows why. That being said, there are a lot of theories about this pre-pounce wiggle. Here are some of the more prevalent ideas.
Some think that the wiggle may help press their hind legs and feet into the ground for added friction to push them forward.
Some say that it helps center their weight on both feet and check to be sure their feet are on stable ground.
Other scientists say that because most of their movement is from one leg to the other, not both at the same time, the wiggle gets the hind legs ready to act together.
Maybe it's more of an aerobic warm-up before the pounce or chase.
Lastly, some feel it's more of a happy dance; they are so excited about stalking prey; they do it to burn off some of that nervous energy.
There hasn't been any formal research on the wiggle, and the cats we know won't tell us either. We don't even know if it's learned or instinctive. Nevertheless, our cats are endlessly entertaining, and these quirky, unexplainable behaviors make them even more endearing.