Big Cats React To Reflections At Florida Sanctuary (VIDEO)

A lion reacts to its own reflection at Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary in Tampa, Fla.

Lions, tigers and jaguars are no strangers to extensive grooming habits. But at the Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary in Tampa, Fla., animal caretakers tested feline vanity by recording how felines in residence reacted to their own reflections.

In this YouTube video produced by the Tampa-based sanctuary, caregivers are seen holding up a mirror to each animal's face to test their reaction.

Overall, larger cats tended to be less than pleased with the image, interpreting the reflection as a fellow cat staring back at them. Some growled, some pounced and some just stared with furious intensity.

As for the smaller felines, reactions ranging from curiosity to apparent indifference seemed to prevail.

Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for abandoned wild cats. Staff at the animal sanctuary -- which is home to more than 100 exotic felines -- also informs the public about the risks of exotic pet ownership by producing educational videos.

Other cat confusion videos to check out include this kitten catching virtual mice and this cat's bewildered reaction to a back scratch.

From our partners

• Widespread Greenland Melting A Sign Of Things To Come - Climate Central
• Limiting Methane Leaks Critical To Gas, Climate Benefits - Climate Central
• 11 Images And Facts About A Misunderstood Creature - Mother Nature Network

Comments

[Izabella Dobaczewska]

02:28 AM on 03/09/2013

Heehee, they react just like house cats! It's funny to see them being silly kitties :P

[gilroja36]

01:59 PM on 04/02/2012

is that a smart thing to do? it looks like the cats nearly have a heart attack when they see that "other" cat in the mirror

[FlaviaDeLuce]

01:35 PM on 03/08/2012

Such stunning and beautiful creatures, real royalty on this planet I'd say... the black leopard was beautiful, seeing his spots hidden in the color under the sun was great

[Tommygun264]

04:46 PM on 03/07/2012

When I was growing up I would set a tabletop mirror on the floor for the cat we called Sailor to play with. After he got frustrated jumping around behind the mirror to catch his reflection only to see no cat on the back side, he crouched down creeped directly up to the mirror, and then while keeping his gaze fixed on his reflection, quickly reached around the side of the mirror, swiping with his paw in an attempt to capture the cat he thought was on the other side. He would spend hours trying to catch himself.

[Lindsgrace33]

02:29 PM on 03/07/2012

The beauty of these animals literally takes my breath away.

[karen lyons kalmenson]

12:40 PM on 03/07/2012

mirror mirror
on the wall
who's the biggest
baddest big cat
of them all

[db025]

06:47 PM on 03/06/2012

Can't wait to hear the, "I don't know why?" when those cats decide to attack.

[FlaviaDeLuce]

01:33 PM on 03/08/2012

.. they are big cats,,, what do you think they do, needlepoint? If they attack then they attack, its in their blood

[Vicky Lupo McDonald]

04:22 PM on 03/06/2012

Thank you for your reply regarding the legislators for the big cats!!!

[Dave Wilson]

03:35 PM on 03/06/2012

Those are some big kitties. They are beautiful, but I don't think you'd want to let some of the bigger ones lying on your lap.

[nanaofmysky]

03:17 PM on 03/06/2012

Cats are so beatiful !!! They needed a bigger mirror. These cats would have reacted differently to seeing themselves. Loved the reactions thuogh. My Siamees loves looking at himself. He purrs and hugs up against the mirror. He knows he is a purrrrfectly beautiful little guy.

[SoulOfDespair]

12:03 PM on 03/06/2012

They are adorable! It's amusing to see their reactions

[unclecrackre]

11:02 AM on 03/06/2012

Beautiful creatures, but so sad to see them caged and behind fences instead of where they belong, in the wild. Thing is, the wild is disappearing at an alarming rate. So I guess if we hope to ensure their survival, it must be this way. Still it is very sad.

[Pazzuzu]

11:36 AM on 03/06/2012

Don't worry, the animals will make a comeback, once we are gone. This festering disease called the human race will annihilate itself sooner or later. The sooner the better and the balance will be restored.

[unclecrackre]

12:11 PM on 03/06/2012

Agreed, man's time on this planet is short. Nature will take everything back once we're gone.

[FlaviaDeLuce]

01:34 PM on 03/08/2012

seriously !

[nanaofmysky]

03:22 PM on 03/06/2012

These were at a big cat rescue.Most likely better than where they were. But yes to bad they were not in the wild.

[michael07]

10:47 AM on 03/06/2012

I appreciate people and places that attempt to preserve the wildlife, but these are not cute pets. If you want to protect them, don't expose them to your middle school humor. Care for them and allow them to live as close to naturally as possible.

[Lalabomba]

10:33 AM on 03/06/2012

cute, I especially like how the grumpy lion reacted. I know he was a little scared but it was cute how the challenged his reflection.

[Rico Amero Sr]

10:28 AM on 03/06/2012

This is cruel. Poor cats... You should be ashamed.