Stalking

Stalking occurs once the cat has the prey in sight. The body is usually lowered closer to the ground through the bending of the legs. The tail is commonly held horizontal, away from the body, at a height in line with or below that of the back. The tip of the tail may twitch. The head is stretched forward in the direction of the prey making the neck visible and giving the body an elongated appearance. The whiskers are held erect away from the face, are spread wide and often in a forward position, as are the ears. In this position, the cat moves forwards decreasing the distance between itself and the prey. Such locomotion is usually slow, controlled and steady, appearing very deliberate. The cat may intersperse movement with stationary periods where one forepaw may be held off the ground.

 
 

The following video illustrates a few strides of stalking at the very beginning of the clip before the cat comes to a standstill. Note the lowering of the body.