Research overview: independent rotation of the feline pinnae

Each of a cat's ears can move independently, allowing it to monitor two directions at once or to converge both ears on a single sound. This overview surveys the behavioral and functional significance of independent pinna rotation, which extends the range over which a cat can sample its acoustic surroundings without moving its head. By aiming the ears separately, a cat can attend to a potential threat behind it while tracking prey ahead. The survey discusses how this capability complements interaural cues in sound localization and how it reflects the cat's reliance on hearing for both predation and vigilance. It frames independent ear movement as an active sensing strategy, dynamically shaping the directional gain of hearing. Documenting this behavior connects the cat's flexible ear musculature to the practical advantage of scanning a wide acoustic field, a useful ability for a small predator that is also potential prey.