{"id":2603,"date":"2023-01-15T01:06:21","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T01:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/?p=2603"},"modified":"2023-01-15T01:06:22","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T01:06:22","slug":"why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Stretch Out Their Back Legs?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Muscles_Stiff_from_Sleeping_and_Inactivity\" title=\"Muscles Stiff from Sleeping and Inactivity\">Muscles Stiff from Sleeping and Inactivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Lengthening_Muscles\" title=\"Lengthening Muscles\">Lengthening Muscles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Social_Element_to_the_Act\" title=\"Social Element to the Act\">Social Element to the Act<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Seeking_Attention_or_Affection\" title=\"Seeking Attention or Affection\">Seeking Attention or Affection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Allowing_Blood_to_Flow_Through_Limbs\" title=\"Allowing Blood to Flow Through Limbs\">Allowing Blood to Flow Through Limbs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Wrestling_or_Play_Behavior\" title=\"Wrestling or Play Behavior\">Wrestling or Play Behavior<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Communication\" title=\"Communication\">Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Marking_Territory\" title=\"Marking Territory\">Marking Territory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Reaching_Paw_out_When_Lying_Down\" title=\"Reaching Paw out When Lying Down\">Reaching Paw out When Lying Down<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stretch-out-their-back-legs\/#Feeling_Secure\" title=\"Feeling Secure\">Feeling Secure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Cats often stretch their back legs to relax and loosen their muscles after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting still. Stretching helps to get their blood flowing and can also be a sign of seeking attention or affection from their owners. Cats will sometimes kick with their hind legs when they are playing or wrestling and this behavior can also be a sign of worms. It\u2019s important to have your kitty checked if they seem to be stretching more than usual.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"musclesstifffromsleepingandinactivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Muscles_Stiff_from_Sleeping_and_Inactivity\"><\/span>Muscles Stiff from Sleeping and Inactivity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-pregnancy\/\">cats will stretch out their back legs when they wake up from a nap or after a period<\/a> of inactivity. This is because their muscles have become stiff while they were sleeping or inactive. This <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-act-like-jerks\/\">act of stretching is beneficial for cats<\/a> as it helps to stimulate the muscle receptors, which can help to reduce stiffness and improve circulation. Furthermore, it can also help to reduce the risk of developing muscle atrophy, which can occur if a cat is inactive for an extended period of time. Stretching can also help to increase flexibility and range of motion, which can be beneficial for cats with arthritis or other joint conditions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lengtheningmuscles\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lengthening_Muscles\"><\/span>Lengthening Muscles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not just humans who benefit from a good stretch. Cats also engage in this behavior to help their muscles relax and become more limber. By stretching their legs and body, cats are able to lengthen their muscles, allowing for more flexibility and mobility. This can help them to run faster and jump higher when they need to. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-milk-bone-dog-treats\/\">cats\u2019 vertebral bones<\/a> have increased elasticity in the disc between bones when compared to other animals, allowing them to achieve a greater range of motion when stretching.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"socialelementtotheact\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Element_to_the_Act\"><\/span>Social Element to the Act<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not just about physical exercise; cats also stretch for social reasons. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-probiotics\/\">Cats may stretch out for extra attention or affection from their human<\/a> companions, and even when they are around other cats, they may stretch out in order to make themselves look larger and more intimidating. Stretching helps cats to communicate with each other and establish dominance in their social circles. When <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-kick-their-back-legs\/\">cats are stretching their back legs<\/a>, they may be trying to show their dominance or make a statement of \u201cownership\u201d over a certain area.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"seekingattentionoraffection\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seeking_Attention_or_Affection\"><\/span>Seeking Attention or Affection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-cats-poop\/\">Cats often<\/a> display their love and affection for us in a variety of ways, and stretching out their back legs is one of them. When a <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-walk-between-your-legs\/\">cat is stretching out their back legs<\/a>, it may be a sign that they are looking for some attention or affection from their owners. It could be a gesture of affection or a request for attention. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-should-a-sphynx-cat-eat\/\">Cats will also often<\/a> do this when they are bored, as a way to solicit our awareness and care. When your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-knead-and-bite-blankets\/\">cat kneads<\/a> you with their paws, it is an indication of their love and trust towards you. They may also arch their back when seeking attention, which causes their hair to stand up in a piloerection.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"allowingbloodtoflowthroughlimbs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Allowing_Blood_to_Flow_Through_Limbs\"><\/span>Allowing Blood to Flow Through Limbs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to stretching out their back legs, cats may also be using the motion to allow blood to flow through their limbs. This is especially true for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-sleep-between-your-legs\/\">cats who have been sleeping<\/a> or inactive for an extended period of time. By stretching out their limbs, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-sneeze\/\">cats can get the blood flowing which helps them to shake off the stiffness caused<\/a> by inactivity. This type of stretching can also help to reduce muscle pain and soreness in cats who are recovering from injuries or illnesses.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wrestlingorplaybehavior\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrestling_or_Play_Behavior\"><\/span>Wrestling or Play Behavior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Another reason cats will stretch out their back legs is due to wrestling or play behavior. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-to-play-with-a-ball-of-yarn\/\">Cats engage in this behavior when they are engaged in play<\/a>, such as wrestling. This is a sign of deep trust, as <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-does-my-cat-like-q-tips\/\">cats will only do it when they feel safe<\/a>. If your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-sleep-on-their-back\/\">cat is stretching their back<\/a> legs from a standing position, they\u2019re simply lengthening their muscles. This bunny-kick move can also be seen when <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-play-with-their-prey\/\">cats are attacking their prey<\/a>, such as your arm. It\u2019s important for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/do-cats-keep-roaches-away\/\">cats to keep<\/a> themselves limber, so they make it a point to stretch all the time.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"communication\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Communication\"><\/span>Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats use communication in many ways, even when they are stretching out their back legs. When <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-arch-their-backs-when-you-pet-them\/\">cats arch their back<\/a>, puff out their fur, and have an alert expression, it is usually a sign of aggression. On the other hand, when cats rub against objects, including people, it is a sign of both affection and a way of <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/leave-kitten-cat-in-bathroom\/\">leaving a message for other cats<\/a>. Sometimes <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-tails-puff-up-when-happy\/\">cats will make themselves look bigger by puffing<\/a> up their fur, which is known as piloerection. This is usually done when a cat is feeling angry, aggressive, or frightened. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-keeps-pooping-on-floor\/\">cats may stretch out their back legs to mark their territory as they roll back and forth on the floor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"markingterritory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marking_Territory\"><\/span>Marking Territory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Marking territory is an important part of a <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/are-natural-baby-wipes-safe-for-cats\/\">cat\u2019s natural<\/a> behavior and serves as a way for cats to define their space and claim ownership of it. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-does-my-cat-put-her-paw-on-my-face\/\">Cats have scent glands on their paws<\/a> and they use these to leave scent markers in areas they want to mark as their own. By stretching out their back legs, cats can cover more ground and mark more territory with their scent. This is especially important if there are other <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-scratch-around-their-food\/\">cats around<\/a>, as cats are territorial animals. Marking territory is a way for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-watermelon\/\">cats to establish their dominance over an area and make sure other cats know<\/a> that the space belongs to them.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"reachingpawoutwhenlyingdown\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reaching_Paw_out_When_Lying_Down\"><\/span>Reaching Paw out When Lying Down<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-fold-their-paws\/\">Cats also use their paws<\/a> to reach out when lying down. This behavior is most <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/common-cat-mistakes\/\">common in cats<\/a> who are feeling safe and secure. This can be an indication that your cat trusts its environment and is comfortable with its surroundings. Osteoarthritis in the lower spine and hips can also make the area over the pelvis and upper rear legs tender, which could be a contributing factor to why <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-not-like-their-paws-touched\/\">cats reach out their paws<\/a> when lying down. It is important to pay attention to this behavior as it can be a sign of discomfort or pain.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"feelingsecure\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feeling_Secure\"><\/span>Feeling Secure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-paw-at-the-window\/\">Cats also like to reach their paw<\/a> out when they are lying down. This is a sign of feeling secure and confident in their environment. They do this to let you know that they are comfortable and relaxed in your presence. This is a sign of trust and can be seen when cats are interacting with other cats as well. It\u2019s important for cats to feel secure and confident in their environment, so reaching out with their paw can be a sign of this.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats often stretch their back legs to relax and loosen their muscles after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting still. Stretching helps to get their blood flowing and can also be a sign of seeking attention or affection from their owners. Cats will sometimes kick with their hind legs when they are playing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"modified_by":"admin","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_stretching_legs-120x120.jpg",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Cats often stretch their back legs to relax and loosen their muscles after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting still. Stretching helps to get their blood flowing and can also be a sign of seeking attention or affection from their owners. Cats will sometimes kick with their hind legs when they are playing&hellip;","_wp_old_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2603"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2603"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2603\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}