In studying predator behavior, it is important to make a distinction  between “quick” and “sudden.” It is unfortunate that we have the saying ”quick as a cat.” The Germans say “quick as a weasel.” I am with the Germans on this one. A weasel’s response to finding a potential prey nearby is immediate and swift (i.e. quick). A cat’s initial hunting response to prey is passive. Only after a well-timed delay is used to gain advantage does the cat make an explosive and decisive move (i. e.  a “sudden” move). The word “sudden” is derived from two words  that meant “to go secretly,” which gets at the notion that for an ambush hunter’s decisive move to be successful, it has to be unexpected.

 

Just remember, “delayed sudden” and “ immediate quick.”  That will help to sort out the ambush predators from the direct-pursuit predators.