Changes

===Signalling===

===Signalling===

Visual communication involves '''facial and body postures''', as well as the '''visual aspects of''' certain behaviour such as '''spray marking''' and '''clawing'''. In general, visual signals operate over a limited range, in line of sight and are rapidly modified. This gives the signaller to alter its communication according to the response it elicits. Visual signalling is less effective at night, in adverse weather conditions and dense undergrowth. The main disadvantage of visual communication is that it must be delivered face to face with a competitor, which increases the risk of conflict and injury.  

Visual communication involves '''facial and body postures''', as well as the '''visual aspects of''' certain behaviour such as '''spray marking''' and '''clawing'''. In general, visual signals operate over a limited range, in line of sight and are rapidly modified. This enables the signaller to alter its communication according to the response it elicits. Visual signalling is less effective at night, in adverse weather conditions and dense undergrowth. The main disadvantage of visual communication is that it must be delivered face to face with a competitor, which increases the risk of conflict and injury.  

Visual communication in cats therefore tends to be vivid. '''Whole body signals''' are used to make the signaller appear larger and more threatening, or smaller and less threatening. The most powerful signals are those at the extreme, such as the side-on body posture with arched back and tail erect.  

Cats use their '''whole body''' to convey information about their emotional and intentional state. These signals are vivid, but difficult to modify quickly.  The signaller attempts to make itself appear larger and more threatening, or smaller and less threatening. The most powerful signals are those at the extreme, such as the side-on body posture with arched back and tail erect.  

The intention of all body posture signalling during a conflict is to '''maintain distance between individuals''', either by intimidating an opponent into a retreat, or by indicating such a low level of threat that an opponent has no need for an approach. The roll is not a position of complete vulnerability in cats, and in this position the cat is able to make very good use of its teeth and all sets of claws. After a conflict, both parties go their separate ways and so there is no need for post-conflict resolution.  

'''Facial postures''' are less easily observed at a distance, but they can be changed more rapidly and therefore provide a more precise indication of the cat's state at a given moment. Aggressive facial postures are often supported by vocalisations, such as hissing and spitting, that further intensify their meaning. Changes in ear position, pupil dilation and the display of teeth are often not paralleled by body posture changes, since these are slower to accomplish, especially when the animal has adopted a fully erect or flattened body position.

'''Facial posture''' is extremely important in conveying momentary changes in the emotional state of the cat. Changes in ear position, pupil dilation and the display of teeth are not paralleled by body posture changes, since these are slower to accomplish, especially one the animal has adopted a fully erect or very low body position.

The intention of all postural signalling during a conflict is to '''maintain distance between individuals''', either by intimidating an opponent into a retreat, or by indicating such a low level of threat that an opponent has no attack and the signaller is able to make a discreet retreat. If two opponents engage in physical conflict, one may choose to roll on its back. In dogs, this can be interpreted as a display of vulnerability, and is an appeasement behaviour that diffuses tension and stops further violence. The roll does not carry the same meaning in cats; when in this position a cat is better able to use claws and teeth, and is not attempting to appease or diffuse conflict. After a conflict, there is no need for the kind of post-conflict resolution that is seen between dogs. This is because these feline opponents do not have a social relationship that needs to be resolved.

==Vocal Communication==

==Vocal Communication==