Rear over object (may be referred to as Stand Up by some authors)

The cat lifts its forequarters vertically off the ground, shifting its bodyweight backwards to balance on its hocks and rump, and rear over a smaller object on the ground, in front of the cat. While in this position, with hind limbs flexed, the head, eyes and ears are oriented downwards at the object. While balanced on its hindquarters, the cat may poke, grasp, toss and catch the object.

Alternatively, the cat may extend its hind legs to stand up on its hind paws. In kittens, the forepaws may be then be elevated to head height, with toes splayed and extended.

In older cats, the leg extension may be accompanied by curling the forepaws towards its chest, and having reached its full height tipping its bodyweight forward to propel its forequarters downwards, forepaws outstretched, to grasp or pin the object against the floor.

*Photographic images and video coming soon