Why do cats stretch their back legs?

As natural yogis, cats are always stretching so much throughout the day. Stretching is a natural, important and pleasurable activity for cats, and it contributes to their overall physical and mental well-being. However, you may wonder why cats stretch, and the truth is, there are different reasons. In this article, we help cat parents understand their cat’s stretching behaviour and how to support it. We also discuss why it may be concerning if your cat suddenly stops stretching. By learning more about your cat’s instinctive behaviours, you can begin to understand them better and ensure they are thriving as they should be.

What does it mean when a cat stretches out?

There are various meanings behind why a cat stretches out and it depends entirely on the context at the time. Cats may stretch as part of their waking-up or grooming routines, as well as to maintain their flexibility, mark their territory and relieve any stress or tension. Your cat may also stretch out just because they’re feeling happy!

We discuss potential reasons why your cat stretches so much below.

Your cat is waking up

As creatures of habit, cats thrive on routine - which is why your cat stretching their back legs may be a part of their waking-up routine. This is because stretching helps cats to increase blood circulation after a period of rest, and prepare their bodies for physical activities. This is the same for humans, too!

Your cat is staying flexible

Cats are extremely flexible, so an important reason why cats stretch so much is to maintain their flexibility. By stretching their back legs, cats can keep their muscles supple and support their quick and agile movements, such as pouncing, climbing and playing. It can also help relieve any tension in their muscles.

Your cat is marking their territory

Cats engage in various behaviours to mark their territory, and that includes stretching. The reason why cats stretch their paws is because they have scent glands there. By stretching their paws and scratching a surface, cats can leave their scent behind, establish their territory to other cats and create a safe and familiar environment for themselves.

Your cat is content around you

If you’re wondering why your cat stretches when they see you, be rest assured that this is usually a positive sign that they feel content and secure in your presence. Your cat may be greeting you, expressing their love or inviting you to interact and play with them.

Your cat is grooming

Cats often stretch so much because they are trying to groom themselves. Since they are flexible and can get into different positions, cats may stretch their back legs to groom hard-to-reach areas of their bodies, such as their stomach or the base of their tail.

Your cat is relieving stress

Another reason why cats stretch is to relieve stress. The act of stretching releases endorphins in cats, a brain chemical that leads to an overall improvement in their mood. This can help relieve stress or anxiety from a tense situation or traumatic event.

Is stretching a natural behaviour for cats?

Stretching is a natural and instinctive behaviour for cats that has derived from their wild cat ancestors - similar to cats arching their backs. Cats stretch so much because it’s crucial for their overall well-being, as it maintains their flexibility and supports their muscles for physical activities in their daily routines. It’s also part of how cats show affection and love. However, if your cat is overweight, senior or unwell, they may struggle to stretch comfortably. Also, if your cat stays indoors, they may not stretch as often as outdoor cats who engage in more physical activities, such as climbing and jumping. In this case, you can encourage your cat’s stretching behaviour with our tips below.

How can I encourage my cat's stretching behaviour?

Cat parents can adapt their home environment to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for your cat to stretch. Movement and play will support your cat’s physical and mental well-being by keeping them active and stimulated. We’ve listed 5 tips on how to encourage your cat’s natural stretching tendencies below.

• Create an enriching environment. By placing scratching posts and climbing frames around the house, your cat will be able to exercise and entertain themselves, whilst also stretching.
• Engage in interactive play. You can help your cat stretch by introducing an interactive toy or getting involved in the play session. By pouncing on toys, your cat is stretching their back legs too!
• Encourage your cat to stretch after naps. Cats often stretch after a period of rest in order to rejuvenate their muscles, so place scratching posts near your cat’s favourite sleeping areas. 
• Use positive reinforcement. To reinforce the desired behaviour of stretching, you can reward them with praise or a treat when they engage in stretching as positive reinforcement.
• Gently massage your cat. If your cat is receptive to it, you can gently rub your cat’s muscles to help relieve any tension. 

Could there be underlying issues if my cat stops stretching?

It’s important that cats stretch to look after their physical health, so you may be concerned if your cat suddenly stops stretching. Sometimes, cats stop stretching because they’re experiencing pain or discomfort whilst doing so. For example, your cat could have an injury which is making them cautious about stretching fully. Similarly, if your cat is a senior, they may be suffering from joint problems such as arthritis and find it difficult to stretch with full range of motion. Other health issues can also cause your cat to stop stretching if they feel uncomfortable.

An important part of caring for a cat includes cat parents observing their cat closely to notice any changes in their behaviour that may indicate a problem. Look out for any signs or symptoms accompanying your cat’s lack of stretching, and consult a veterinarian if you’re concerned.

It’s important that cat parents support their cat’s stretching behaviours in order to look after their physical and mental well-being. You can also further support your cat’s health and happiness by providing high-quality food like Sheba® Wet Cat Food. With specially-formulated recipes of tasty ingredients, Sheba® Wet Cat Food provides essential nutrients to support your cat’s bones, joints and muscles, as well as their overall health, helping them to maintain their strength and flexibility for their daily activities. 

CAT STRETCHING: FAQ

Why do cats stretch when they see you?

There are many positive reasons behind why cats stretch when they see you. They may stretch to greet you, to express their love or to communicate trust. Cats may also stretch when they see you as an invitation for play and interaction, especially if this is how they have been rewarded in the past. Either way, it’s a positive sign that your cat feels content in your company.

Why do cats stretch out on the floor?

Cats love a good stretch and may stretch out on the floor to fully stretch their muscles, particularly along their spine - this makes them feel good, energises and rejuvenates them. If their stomach is on the floor as your cat stretches their paws, they are extending all of their limbs at once. On the other hand, if your cat is exposing their stomach to you whilst stretching, this indicates trust.

Is it good for cats to stretch?

It is absolutely good for cats to stretch, and is in fact an essential behaviour for their well-being. Cats stretching their back legs are able to maintain their quick and agile movements and keep their muscles supple. Stretching also improves blood circulation in the body, which is particularly important after a nap. Besides this, stretching releases endorphins in cats, relieving any stress and improving their overall mood.