Kitten Leaping for a Butterfly

About this drawing

A kitten chasing a butterfly does not need lessons. Nobody has to teach it what to do. When something small flutters by, an instinct kicks in, because all cats are born ready to hunt.

First comes the stare. The kitten freezes and locks its eyes on the target. Then it drops low and wiggles its rear end from side to side, which helps it get set for the jump. Suddenly, it takes off! Long, strong back legs push like springs. That is how a cat can land on top of a kitchen counter in one smooth move.

Up in the air, the front paws go to work almost like hands, with sharp claws ready to grab. Butterflies are hard to catch, though, because they fly in a jumpy, zigzag path that no one can guess. Most of them get away. The kitten does not mind one bit, since the fun is in trying.

For young cats, this kind of game is a lot like school. Each leap teaches them how far things are, how to twist their bodies and how to land safely. Leaves, shadows and bugs all get the same treatment. After a big afternoon of chasing, a tired kitten will flop down and fall asleep almost anywhere, ready to do it all again later.

• kitten
• butterfly
• flowers
• spring