Cats have a highly developed sense of peripheral vision and an amazing sense of smell. If something or someone unknown -- or with an unknown odor -- comes near, a cat will instinctively flee. Their sense of hearing is extremely acute as well; a strange or unaccustomed loud noise will also trigger flight behavior. Because they are able to jump amazingly high, their flight often leads them to high places. Cats are also able to compress their bodies, allowing them to squeeze into very small spaces.

Sometimes flight behavior will propel a cat into an impossibly small space. The best advice for an owner of a cat that has squeezed herself into a crevice or small hole is to go away and leave her alone. She will usually be able to get herself out once she calms down.

Next: Chase Behavior

Reprinted from Cat Speak by Bash Dibra © 2001. Permission granted by New American Library.