Why Do Cats Arch Their Back – 5 Explanations

It is a relatively common visual to see cats depicted in art with their backs arched. This can be seen in cartoons of black cats on Halloween, arching their backs and letting out a loud yell. Cat owners know that cats will arch their backs for various reasons, not just to spook someone of Halloween. Is there one reason that stands out above the rest? Why do cats are their back?

Cats arch their backs because it is their primary form of body language communication. Arching can signify defensiveness, as well as playfulness.

Cats arching their backs is a part of their complex way of communicating through body language. An arched back can mean a variety of things, from a good stretch after they wake up to indicating they feel afraid and defensive.

What Is It Called When Cats Arch Their Backs

There is not one universal term for what it is called when cats arch their backs. This is because cats can arch their backs for various reasons. One of the reasons is that they are afraid and signaling they are becoming defensive. This behavior is called fear aggression because they become aggressive due to their environment or an individual stressing them out.

If your cat starts to arch their back as an act of fear aggression, it is essential to alleviate whatever is causing their anxiety. They might need to be placed in a different room to calm down, somewhere quiet with some food and water to take some time to relax.

5 Reasons Why Your Cat Arches Their Back

Cats express themselves a lot through their body language, and arching their back is one of the most prominent ways they do this. Figuring out why your cat is arching their back is critical in understanding what they are trying to communicate to you.

1. They Are Feeling Afraid

Your cat may be arching their back because something is scaring them. They arch their back in an attempt to make themselves look bigger and more threatening to whatever is intimidating them. When they arch their back as an act of fear aggression, their hair often puffs up and sticks out more, and they usually begin to growl deep and slow.

2. They Are Playing

Some cats arch their backs when they are playing to wind themselves up before they propel themselves into an attack. They will do this with both cats and humans to show that they are playing and not seriously trying to hurt them.

3. They Are Stretching

Your cat is usually arching their back to get a nice deep stretch. Especially after a long nap in the sun, they need a long relaxing stretch to alleviate any remaining tension.

4. You Are Scratching A Spot They Cannot Reach

Most cats will arch their backs when you scratch the base of their tail, right on their back. They will arch their backs and start to purr, often twirling around so you can keep scratching that spot. Cats cannot reach that spot to scratch themselves, so to them, it feels so good to have someone scratch there.

5. They Are Trying To Entice You To Play More

Cats will often arch their backs and walk around you, rubbing against your legs to try and get your attention. This display is their way of getting you to pay attention to them and give them the snuggles that they need.

Why Do Cats Arch Their Backs When You Pet Them

Cats often arch their backs when you pet them because you can reach spots that they cannot typically reach. Especially on their backs toward the base of their tail, it is challenging for them to scratch here, so it is a treat to them to have someone scratch it for them.

Cats will also arch their backs as a display of affection, so they may be doing this while you pet them to indicate that they like what you are doing. They will also use arching their back to keep your interest, so you keep paying attention to them.

Why Does My Cat Arch Her Back When She Sees Me

Cats arch their back when they see you because of how excited they are to see you. Cats are not like dogs; they will not start wagging their tails, jumping around, and barking to greet you. However, cats do have their own ways of displaying their affection and letting you know they are excited to see you.

Your cat may greet you when you come home by arching its back and rubbing itself against your legs. Some cats are more talkative and will meow when you get home to say hello. Some cats will also start purring when they see their owners because of how excited they are to see you. All of these behaviors are displays of affection and your cat’s way of telling you how much they love you.

Why Do Cats Arch Their Backs And Run Sideways

The most common reason as to why cats arch their backs and run sideways is they have a case of the zoomies. The zoomies are when your cat has pent-up energy and runs around your home from room to room. They usually get big, wide eyes and will meow or growl as they run around.

The zoomies initiate very playful behavior in cats and get them all riled up. They will arch their backs and run sideways to indicate to people and other animals that they are just playing and not seriously attacking. In a way, cats make themselves look extra goofy so that they won’t be taken seriously, and everyone will know they are just playing.

Things To Consider

It is essential to understand how your cat communicates so you can adequately fulfill its needs. Since your cat is mostly going to communicate through body language, you should know how to identify when your cat is arching their back for different reasons.

Most of the time, it will be because they are stretching, playing, or displaying affection. On the off chance they are arching their backs out of fear, you will want to be as attentive as possible so you can remove them from whatever situation is causing fear and stress. It is essential to keep your cat feeling safe and comfortable. Pay attention to what their body language is saying so you can communicate with them, and they will love you even more.