Despite all the bristled fur, flailing tails, and hissing contests, cats are not usually quick to attack one another. They're simply brilliant at posturing, and they use felinese to fake out their opponents without ever mussing a whisker.

A fearful cat bluffs his foe by trying to look bigger than he really is. He fluffs his fur and turns broadside, and he tippy-toes sideways away from the threat, pressing his ears lower and lower. He spits and snarls and may try to warn away with a claw swipe. But if the enemy isn't impressed, he admits defeat and runs.

Even confident cats first try to frighten interlopers away. If a head-on, wide-eyed stare doesn't work, his ears turn to the side, his tail starts swinging, and he bares his teeth and lowers his head. Unless the intruder takes to his heels, a cat on the offensive will attack with tooth and claw.

Although cats do occasionally indulge in pitched battles, most avoid conflict by acting tougher than they really are.