Annoyed or excited. Call it “stimulated”. Also often happens when they see a toy or a pounce target.
Usually with domestic cats the ears being in a relaxed ‘up’ state show this cat is annoyed but not truly unhappy. Maybe even trying to wriggle away.
Generally if you see highly dilated eyes and ears back, the cat is about to attack or pounce.
However I’ll caveat that second part with the fact that it depends on the cat. I’ve seen cats maul from a submissive/passive position with ears up and eyes nearly closed. Like humans, every cat is different and every situation is going to be unique. They’re intelligent animals with unique personalities and nature/nurture, which is why they’re such excellent companions.
Annoyed or excited. Call it “stimulated”. Also often happens when they see a toy or a pounce target.
Usually with domestic cats the ears being in a relaxed ‘up’ state show this cat is annoyed but not truly unhappy. Maybe even trying to wriggle away.
Generally if you see highly dilated eyes and ears back, the cat is about to attack or pounce.
However I’ll caveat that second part with the fact that it depends on the cat. I’ve seen cats maul from a submissive/passive position with ears up and eyes nearly closed. Like humans, every cat is different and every situation is going to be unique. They’re intelligent animals with unique personalities and nature/nurture, which is why they’re such excellent companions.
At the same time my cat likes to go ears down like shes hunting my hand when i ignore her and eat me up.