We’re all familiar with the supposed antagonism between domestic cats and dogs. As this video shows, it exists in Nature too, and the result of this interaction might surprise you.
Watch the video here:
Jessica Endenburg submitted this short video to Latest Sightings. She filmed it at Satara Rest Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
The African bush is full of bold surprises, especially when a tiny kitten shows a jackal who is boss! Make sure you never miss another unbelievable sighting. Join our WhatsApp group and get the best viral wildlife alerts delivered straight to your chat:
Resting wildcats
As the video begins, we see a sight only a few of us are fortunate enough to see. An African wildcat mother and her kitten are resting on the lawns at Satara.
We notice the kitten looks nervous, and, moments later, we find out why. A black-backed jackal comes into view, clearly interested in the little one.
Surprisingly, the mother wildcat stays put. Presumably, she recognises that the threat is minimal and an opportunity for her kitten to learn a valuable lesson.
Arched in alarm
Unsure what to make of the jackal, the kitten arches its back, signalling to us that it is feeling threatened. As it does so, it raises the hairs on its back and, in the process, appears larger and more intimidating.
When the jackal stops several feet away, we see that the kitten’s pose has had the desired effect. Consequently, the jackal lowers its head, almost submissively, as it tries to get a read on the kitten.
All the while, the mother kitten remains motionless, although we assume she is keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Distraction behaviour
Subsequently, we see that the jackal then feigns disinterest when it moves past the kitten and looks off into the distance. The ploy works to a degree when the kitten looks off in that direction, too.
This action is referred to as distraction behaviour. Animals use this technique to defuse tension and give themselves a chance to plan their next move.
However, the ruse is short-lived. Moments later, the jackal turns its attention back to the kitten.
Noticing this, the kitten intensifies its stance. Amazingly, it doesn’t give an inch, standing its ground instead of retreating to its mother’s side.
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Could use a little help here, Mom!
Meanwhile, the jackal is still unsure, and at one point, it disappears from view. It is only at this point that the kitten turns to it’s mother.
Its large eyes and concerned expression suggest it could use a hand here. Still, mum remains motionless, willing to let the interaction play out.
Rising tension
A few seconds later, the jackal comes back into view. For the kitten, the tension is becoming unbearable. Sooner or later, it will have to do something to break the deadlock.
However, it is the jackal that makes the next move. As it moves past, it suddenly turns and advances on the kitten. At this moment, the little cat has three choices: freeze, flee, or fight.
Surprisingly, it chooses the latter. With a hiss of fury, it charges towards the jackal…
Once again, it has made the right choice. Seeing the furious furball coming at it, the jackal turns tail and runs off.
Although the jackal doesn’t go far, hopefully, the kitten has shown that it can and will look after itself. With an attitude like that, who would argue?