{"id":2641,"date":"2023-01-15T02:40:19","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T02:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/?p=2641"},"modified":"2023-01-15T02:40:19","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T02:40:19","slug":"why-do-cats-stand-on-their-hind-legs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Stand on Their Hind 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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Survival_Tactics\" title=\"Survival Tactics\">Survival Tactics<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Seeking_Attention\" title=\"Seeking Attention\">Seeking Attention<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Reaching_for_Affection\" title=\"Reaching for Affection\">Reaching for Affection<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Playfulness\" title=\"Playfulness\">Playfulness<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Reinforcing_the_Behavior\" title=\"Reinforcing the Behavior\">Reinforcing the Behavior<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#A_Better_View\" title=\"A Better View\">A Better View<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Cat_Fights\" title=\"Cat Fights\">Cat Fights<\/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-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/#Kitten_Instincts\" title=\"Kitten Instincts\">Kitten Instincts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Cats can stand on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. One reason is to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating when they feel threatened by a predator. Another is to try to reach your hand with their head for attention. Kittens may even stand on their hind legs as a playful behavior. Ultimately, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-sleep-between-your-legs\/\">cats stand on their hind legs<\/a> to protect themselves and to seek affection from their humans.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"survivaltactics\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Survival_Tactics\"><\/span>Survival Tactics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to assume cats stand on their hind legs for attention, but the truth is that this behavior is often rooted in a much more primal instinct. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-a-cat-freeze-to-death\/\">Cats will stand on their hind legs as a survival<\/a> tactic, making themselves appear larger and more intimidating in the face of danger. In extreme cases, cats will even shuffle sideways while in this position, trying to make themselves look as large as possible. It\u2019s a common instinct among mesopredators such as <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-bring-you-their-kittens\/\">cats and can be seen in kittens<\/a> trying to make themselves seem more intimidating to their opponents. This is an effective way for cats to fend off predators and ensure their safety.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"makingthemselveslookbigger\">Making Themselves Look Bigger<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that cats have a tendency to stand on their hind legs. This behavior is actually a survival tactic designed to make them look bigger and more intimidating. When <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-arch-their-backs-when-you-pet-them\/\">cats arch their backs<\/a>, their hair stands up too, known as piloerection, making them appear larger. This can be seen in situations where <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-to-get-a-scared-cat-out-of-hiding\/\">cats feel threatened or scared<\/a>, as a way to make the animal doing the threatening think twice about taking on the cat. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-to-sleep-with-their-owners\/\">Cats can also use this tactic in order to gain attention or affection from their owners<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"seekingattention\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seeking_Attention\"><\/span>Seeking Attention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats standing on their hind legs can also be a sign they\u2019re seeking attention. Your cat may stand on your foot to connect with you, to assert ownership, show affection, or get your attention. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-does-my-cat-put-her-paw-on-my-face\/\">cats will stand on their hind legs and move their paws<\/a> in a pawing motion as if they are trying to hug you. It\u2019s important to reinforce positive behavior by giving your cat plenty of attention when they do something you approve of, such as sitting, rubbing against your leg, lying in their bed or scratching their post. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-to-take-cat-to-vet\/\">Cats will often<\/a> pull out all the stops to get what they want, and although each cat has its own personality, it\u2019s important to be diligent about rewarding positive behavior.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"reachingforaffection\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reaching_for_Affection\"><\/span>Reaching for Affection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-shake-their-heads\/\">Cats can stand on their hind legs to try to reach your hand with their head<\/a> for attention. This <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-should-a-sphynx-cat-eat\/\">often happens when the cat<\/a> has been trying to get your attention for some time and it is a sign of physical affection. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-fold-their-paws\/\">cats will even reach a paw<\/a> out to you while they are snuggling with you in bed or on the couch. It is a way for your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/\">cat to show their love and let you know that they want to be close<\/a> to you. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-meow-when-you-pick-them-up\/\">cats can also stand on their hind legs when wanting to be picked<\/a> up or petted, as this is a common sign of affection from them.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"playfulness\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Playfulness\"><\/span>Playfulness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Playfulness is another common reason cats stand on their hind legs. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-not-like-their-paws-touched\/\">Cats who are playful like to use their paws<\/a> to catch things. Scottish Folds, for example, are known for being affectionate and playful, and their physical traits are ideal for standing on their hind legs. Cats also use body language to forecast their intentions and show what they will do next. When they stand sideways, they may be about to pounce forward and grab something with their front paws. Kitten energy can result in them darting from room to room and jumping up and down on furniture, which can include standing on their hind legs. It\u2019s important to remember that kittens can sometimes be too rough when playing, so it\u2019s best to manage their behavior.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"reinforcingthebehavior\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reinforcing_the_Behavior\"><\/span>Reinforcing the Behavior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is possible to reinforce the behavior of cats standing on their hind legs, although it is not always intentional. Positive reinforcement <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-want-to-bother-you-then-ignore\/\">works very well for dogs and cats<\/a>, so if you find yourself accidentally reinforcing the behavior, consider rewarding it with treats or encouragement. However, if the behavior is becoming a nuisance, be sure to redirect the cat to a more desirable activity.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"abetterview\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Better_View\"><\/span>A Better View<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is not only a survival tactic when cats stand on their hind legs; it can also be for a better view. Cats, being the curious creatures they are, are often interested in what is going on around them. Standing up tall helps them to see more of the world and what is happening around them. A Scottish Fold was once seen standing on his hind legs in order to get a better view of the other side of the room. So, if you ever see your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-walk-between-your-legs\/\">cat standing up on their hind legs<\/a>, it may be that they are just trying to get a better look at something interesting.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"catfights\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cat_Fights\"><\/span>Cat Fights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not just when cats are interacting with humans that they stand on their hind legs. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-each-other-then-fight\/\">Cats can also stand on their hind legs during fights<\/a>. When two cats are fighting, they will stand up on their hind legs and move their front two legs forward in an attempt to reach the other <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-get-in-your-face\/\">cat\u2019s face<\/a>. This is done to scare off or threaten the other cat, and make themselves look bigger. It\u2019s important to recognize the signs of a potential fight between your cats and intervene if necessary.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kitteninstincts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kitten_Instincts\"><\/span>Kitten Instincts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-kick-their-back-legs\/\">cats stand on their hind legs<\/a>, it can also be a result of their natural behavior as kittens. During the first few weeks of a kitten\u2019s life, there is a reflex called \u201cthe flexor reflex\u201d that causes them to go limp. This reflex helps the mother cat to carry and move her kittens. When cats continue this behavior into adulthood, they may be trying to recreate their kitten days, or they may just be seeking attention from humans. Either way, this behavior is not necessarily an indication of aggression or fear &#8211; it\u2019s just a natural instinct that cats can\u2019t help but display!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats can stand on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. One reason is to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating when they feel threatened by a predator. Another is to try to reach your hand with their head for attention. Kittens may even stand on their hind legs as a playful behavior. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2646,"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_on_hind_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_legs.jpg",1536,1024,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_on_hind_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 can stand on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. One reason is to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating when they feel threatened by a predator. Another is to try to reach your hand with their head for attention. Kittens may even stand on their hind legs as a playful behavior.&hellip;","_wp_old_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2641"}],"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=2641"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2641\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}