How can you instantly recharge after a long day of work? Of course, it’s the moment you open the door and see your little cat stretching to greet you! Some cats even stand by the door in anticipation, stretching as soon as you open it. Others will walk towards you in their signature cat strut, stretching as they go. And there are even those who, even before reaching the door, will start stretching the moment they see you — but why do cats always stretch before greeting me?
-
What Are the Different Ways Cats Stretch?
“Why doesn’t my cat stretch, or why doesn’t it stretch as much?” It could be because your cat’s stretching style is more subtle! Cats have all sorts of unique stretching positions. Here are some of the common ones, based on an unofficial list:Head Hug Stretch: The cat bends its elbows, wraps its paws around its face, and shakes its head vigorously to complete a head-hug stretch. This often happens when the cat is relaxing comfortably or when it’s disturbed by someone.Lying Down Stretch: The cat lies on its side, extends its limbs forward, and stretches all the way to its paws. This is common when the cat is taking a nap or just waking up.Standing Stretch: The cat stands upright, fully extending its body to stretch all its muscles. This type of stretch is rare, but some cats do it to “tempt” their humans for a cuddle. Some cats even take it to the next level and do a “handstand” stretch — it’s quite a sight!Facial-Only Stretch: The cat keeps its body stiff but moves its face muscles, with the most noticeable movement being the ears. This is often a supplement to the standard stretch — not only do the limbs get stretched, but the face muscles need some exercise too.Classic Stretch: The cat first lifts its butt, stretching its front legs backward, then lowers its rear end to stretch the back legs. This is the most typical and standard stretching position.So why does your cat need to stretch so often?
-
Why Do Cats Always Stretch?
According to behavioral scientists’ observations and speculations, there could be several reasons:It’s a Post-Sleep Ritual: This is the most common reason cats stretch. Cats sleep for 12-16 hours a day, and during this time, their muscles become somewhat paralyzed to prevent them from sleepwalking. Additionally, their blood pressure is lower during sleep. So, when they wake up, stretching helps them restore their body to a more active state. When stretching, blood pressure increases, circulation improves, and the body expels accumulated carbon dioxide and lactic acid. This also enhances muscle flexibility and prepares them for action, including hunting. So, if you catch your cat stretching when you come home, it’s likely just waking up from a good nap.A Way to Communicate: Stretching could also be one of the ways cats communicate. This could be their most relaxed moment. After a long day of separation, stretching might be their way of expressing trust, comfort, and relaxation with you. It’s like a welcoming gesture, letting you know they feel at ease and are happy to see you back.Marking Territory: Some cats will stretch with their butt raised high. During this stretch, the scent glands near their anus release a scent to mark their territory. This is why cats often raise their butts when scratching a scratching post — it’s a way of marking their “domain.” If your cat happens to be walking around the house and bumps into you, it may also be marking you as “theirs.”Relieving Stress or Embarrassment: Stretching can sometimes be a way for cats to “forcefully calm themselves,” shifting their attention away from feelings of embarrassment or stress. In other words, stretching can be a sign that your cat is dealing with negative emotions or pressure. For example, in multi-cat households, a lower-ranking cat might stretch before waiting for a more dominant cat to finish eating if the food bowls are too close or limited. Similarly, if you have multiple cats, the dominant cat might immediately seek attention when you come home, while the more submissive ones may use stretching to relieve the pressure of “waiting their turn” for affection.Victory After Hunting: This theory is still up for debate as there isn’t direct video evidence to confirm it, but some behaviorists speculate that stretching might be a way for cats to relax their muscles after a successful hunt, or it could be a celebration of their victory.
So, based on the scenarios above, what do you think is going on with your cat? Why do you think they stretch?
