Nearly every feline owner has witnessed their cat stretching in adorable ways. Cats stretch for similar reasons we do—it feels good, eases tight muscles, and helps keep their bodies flexible. They generally stretch throughout the day in various poses to target different muscles and tendons. You are likely to see cats stretching after a long nap or perhaps as they warm up to play. However, some cats stretch simply because it feels good or before greeting their owners.
So, what are a cat’s favorite types of stretches? This article has the answers you need.
Top 7 Cat Stretches
1. Downward Dog Stretch
Despite the name, the downward dog stretch is one of the most recognizable cat stretches. Cats do the downward dog stretch by extending their legs and tail while arching their bottom in the air. It can appear as if they are bowing down.
This stretch might help to lengthen their spines and ease stiff muscles, which is why they often do it after resting for long periods. Furthermore, the downward dog stretch mimics a type of hunting stance cats use before pouncing on their prey.
2. Leg Extension
A comical type of cat stretch is the leg extension, which looks exactly as it sounds. Cats will only extend one of their legs to stretch it while contorting the rest of their body amusingly. This stretch is often preferred for their hind legs, but some cats do it with their front legs too.
The front leg extension stress has been fondly named “the reach stretch” since cats look like they are desperately reaching for something when doing it. It’s not unusual for certain cats to take time to extend each of their hind legs in a stretch, especially if they are warming up their bodies.
You might notice that the extended leg starts to tremble in response to the stretch reflex. Although it can look strange, it is normal.
3. Belly Stretch
The belly stretch is a classic favorite for lazy or playful felines who don’t want to stand up to stretch. Cats do the belly stretch by laying on their backs and extending both their front and hind legs. It will appear as if they are trying to elongate themselves laying down and arching their backs to deepen the stretch. Some cats do not mind a belly rub after this stretch if they keep exposing their belly to you.
4. Side Stretch
The side stretch is similar to the belly stretch as both take place while a cat is lying down. When a cat is doing a side stretch, they will roll over from their backs onto the side and extend their front and hind legs. Some cats might even extend one of their legs during the stretch or focus on just their front or hind legs.
If your cat is particularly flexible, their bodies will form a perfect C-shape during the side stretch. This stretch is great for opening up their chests and warming up their muscles if they are feeling stiff. It is also commonly seen in kittens who are playing or having their bellies rubbed.
5. Curl and Arch
Another classic cat stretch is the curl and arch. Cats do this stretch by simply arching their backs and extending their tails while standing on all four legs. It’s a great way for them to stretch the muscles surrounding their spines and legs at the same time. Cats do this stretch quite frequently when their bodies are feeling stiff. Many cat owners find that their cat does the curl and arch stretch when greeting them or before they beg for food.
6. Upright Stretch
Sometimes, simply stretching by themselves is not enough for certain felines. They might choose to stretch against something else, whether it’s a person, furniture, or another animal. This is known as the upright cat stretch and it’s similar to the downward dog. However, it happens upright and against something rather than parallel to the ground.
To do the upright stretch, cats still stand on their hind legs and extend their front legs against your leg, the couch, or whatever object they choose to stretch against. Like the downward dog stretch, it helps lengthen a cat’s stiff spine and ease stiff muscles.
Cats who stretch against you could be feeling comfortable around you and possibly wanting your attention.
7. Stretch and Scratch
Plenty of cats stretch and scratch at the same time. Also, scratching could be a full body stretch for cats as they extend their bodies, rise on their hind legs, and extend their front legs out. You might notice them stretching against the cat post too and resume their scratching behavior afterwards. This is likely your cat’s way of warming up their muscles and maintaining flexibility while scratching.
The Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher is a functional and stylish design that makes it the ultimate scratching spot for your cat – and a superhero in the battle against furniture destruction. Unlike most cat toys that end up being ignored, this one's a crowd-pleaser for both cats and their hoomans.
With its 3 configurations, thick textured cardboard, and solid birch plywood frame, it encourages your cat's natural scratching instincts, so they stay away from your precious furniture, rugs, and curtains, among all other things they shouldn't scratch. The Hi-Lo is like your home's mini guardian, keeping it safe while looking super sleek and trendy. At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Conclusion
As agile hunters, cats need to keep their bodies flexible and muscles warm to maintain a good range of motion. Stretching allows them to get movement back into their stiff bodies if they have been resting for a while. Furthermore, cats also stretch when they are comfortable, and do it because it feels good.
It’s perfectly normal to see cats stretching multiple times a day and in various positions too. The downward dog and curl and arch stretches are usually preferred by cats as they do it more than the other stretches mentioned above.
Featured Image Credit: Cavan Images, Shutterstock
Top 7 Cat Stretches
4 Responses
I grew up with dogs, but in my later years I started keeping cats. I find them to be truly fascinating creatures! They're so unlike dogs! Many people, most notably women, say that cats are sneaky and I in turn tell that they're not! That they're predators like their bigger cousins of lions, leopards, pumas, jaguars lynxes, bobcats and mountain lions.
BRYAN L LORD we agree cats are fascinating little predators that take over our homes and hearts!
Thank you very much for your reply. My interest in cats came when I adopted my neighbor's cat. Long story short, I let her out against my better judgement. Later that evening, she was killed by a car. And after my lady friend went online and found two 8 week old kittens, and we went out and got them, I promised her and myself that I would never let them out.🐈☺️
Bryan we are so incredibly sorry for the loss of your neighbor's cat; that kind of tragedy is a heavy burden to carry, but it is clear you have turned that pain into a powerful commitment to your new kittens. By choosing to keep your two new additions as indoor-only cats, you are effectively protecting them from cars, predators, and diseases, which can significantly extend their lives and give you many more years of peace of mind. Raising two kittens together is a wonderful decision, as they will provide each other with the social interaction and exercise they need to stay happy and stimulated within the safety of your home.