Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition explained

Pinch-induced behavioural inhibition (PIBI), also called dorsal immobility, transport immobility or clipnosis, is a partially inert state that results from a gentle squeeze of the nape, the skin at the back of the neck. It is mostly observed among cats and allows a mother cat to carry her kitten easily with her jaws. It can be used to restrain most cats effectively in a domestic or veterinary context. The phenomenon also occurs in other animals, such as squirrels and mice.[1] [2]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-one-myth-about-cats-thats-actually-true-1469745000 The one myth about cats that's actually true
  2. 18222719 . 2008 . Pinch-induced behavioural inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats . Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery . 10 . 1 . 82–87 . Pozza . M. E. . Stella . J. L. . Chappuis-Gagnon . A. C. . Wagner . S. O. . Buffington . C. A. . 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.10.008 . 46156902.