this post was submitted on 19 May 2026
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The second move is for target acquisition and often precedes a pounce. The wide pupils let in more light, enabling a more precise pounce.
Why the cat's body is preparing to pounce is entirely situational. Maybe it's a hunt, maybe it's play, maybe it's just because the cat is being a little overenergetic derp. When you spend time living with a cat you usually learn to identify them pretty reliably. Especially the last one.
Exactly my stand is, that cat's don't differentiate much between play and hunt.
It's a joyful experience for them (most times), not a stress situation.