Why does a cat arch its back at the sight of danger?

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Everyone has once seen a cat arch its back during a fight with other felines. Complemented by a wild stare, animal grin, and raised hair, this pose looks especially spectacular. Curving in a cartwheel and standing high on its tiptoes, the cat communicates its readiness to attack using its entire arsenal of teeth and sharp claws.

Cat Agility

Cats have an incredibly flexible and pliable spine made up of 56 vertebrae. Due to the special structure of the body, these animals can take a variety of positions, curl up into a ball and stretch out greatly. It takes just one look at a cat squeezing its way through a narrow doorway or a gap between buildings to realize that cats are champion gymnasts.

Body Language

By adopting an arch pose and raising its hairs upward, the cat tries to appear larger and more dangerous to its opponent. Sometimes adult cats and kittens assume a defensive stance while playing. The arched back in the absence of other signs of aggression or fear is a way to attract the attention of the owner or other residents of the house.

Outdoors

Cats react to danger in different ways. The arching back with the head pressed down means the position of the victim. The position on high straightened legs, on the contrary, means a high degree of aggression and readiness to rush. When dealing with a dog, a cat tries to stand sideways to its side to make itself visually larger. Dogs have poor eyesight, so this technique works. In this position, cats can move sideways, on tiptoe. The intimidating pose is complemented by a menacing hiss that turns into a howl.

When it comes to a fight, the cat straightens its body like a spring and pounces on its adversary. Some cats are so brave that they attack medium and large dogs. If there are no nearby places to hide, this tactic guarantees more safety than running away.

Home

In a calm home environment, the back’s steep arching can signal that the cat should be left alone. Animals, like humans, are susceptible to stress and sometimes need peace and solitude. In addition, unusual poses can be performed as stretching exercises, and the mother cat may briefly adopt a fierce look to calm her kittens. But if the tense posture is accompanied by a pitying meow, it may be an alarming signal of ill health. In this case, you should show the pet to the veterinarian.

Pets may use body language to show their affection for their owner. When a cat arches its back and starts rubbing its head against its owner’s legs with a soft purr, it is asking for affection and touching.