Why are cats ears always up?

Cats' ears aren't always up! They can move and rotate in many directions.

Here's why cats' ears are so mobile:

* Hearing: Cats have exceptional hearing, and their ears help them pinpoint the source of sounds. They can rotate their ears up to 180 degrees to focus on specific sounds.

* Communication: The position of a cat's ears can indicate its mood. For example, ears held forward and upright usually mean the cat is alert and interested. Flattened ears can signal fear or aggression.

* Predator/Prey: Cats are both predators and prey. Their ears help them detect potential threats and track prey by sensing even the slightest sounds.

While cats often hold their ears upright, they can also:

* Flatten them: When scared, angry, or ready to pounce.

* Twist them: To focus on a specific sound.

* Rotate them independently: Each ear can move independently to pinpoint sound sources.

So, while it might seem like cats always have their ears up, they actually have a lot of control over their ear movements, using them for a variety of purposes.