Why Do Cats Stretch When They See You?
It’s a familiar scene for many cat owners – your feline friend stretches their body as soon as they see you approaching. You might find this behavior cute or endearing, but it’s natural to wonder why cats do this. As it turns out, there are several reasons behind this seemingly simple motion. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind cat stretching and explain the reasons why cats stretch when they see their humans.
Cats Stretch as a Way of Greeting You
More often than not, cats stretch as a way of greeting you and saying hello. The stretch is a sign of trust – it’s your cat’s way of telling you that they feel comfortable in your presence. Your cat feels so safe and at ease with you that they are not afraid to stretch and be vulnerable. So the next time your feline friend purrs and stretches in your presence, take it as a compliment! She’s expressing happiness and confidence in your company.
To Seek Your Attention
One of the main reasons why cats stretch when you are around is to get your attention. Cats are intelligent animals – they know that if they do something cute, there’s a good chance they’ll receive something in return, like some pets, treats, or just a bit of your focus. Despite their reputation for aloofness and independence, cats still crave attention from their favorite humans. Stretching serves as their way of saying “Hey, look at me! I am here, see how cute I am?” It’s easy to overlook your pets when you’re walking through the room multiple times a day, but when your cat starts stretching and making noises, there’s a good chance that you’ll naturally respond by petting them or giving them some attention.
To Prepare for Activities
Another reason why cats stretch is to get their body in motion. Like humans, cats need to stretch to warm up their muscles after sleeping or resting. When your cat sees you, it’s likely that they’ve just woken up from a nap, and they are stretching to become active and ready for whatever comes next. Perhaps they think you’re going to play with them or maybe they’re anticipating some treats from you. In either case, your cat knows that some interaction is around the corner, and they are preparing themselves to take part in the fun.
To Mark Their Territory
Cats also stretch to mark their territory by leaving pheromone markings so other cats know they live there. Pheromones are an odorless chemical released through a cat’s scent gland, which is then deposited onto the ground or furniture before being sniffed by other animals. In the same way cats will rub against their owners and mark to claim them, scent marking via stretching is often done in an effort to claim various portions of the home. The bigger the stretch, the larger the presence! This especially happens if you bring another pet into your home or take your cat to a friend’s house. Sometimes your cat may use their claws to leave a scent mark.
To Cool Down
Another reason why cats stretch is to cool down. When the weather gets hot, cats often find a spot on cool pavement or grass, stretching out all four limbs. This helps to release some heat from inside their bodies as well as assisting them in cooling down.
Why Cats Make Bird Noises
Cats are known for their fast and intense teeth chattering, or as some will call it, “bird noises.” This chattering is often observed when a cat spots a bird or rodent outside of a window. Cat behaviorists believe that cats chatter in response to the excitement of seeing their prey and the frustration of not being able to catch it. This chattering could be your cat’s way of communicating their excitement, frustration, or aggression towards their prey. Regardless of the reason, this chattering is completely normal and just one of the many unique behaviors that make felines such fascinating pets.
Eating Non-Food Items
Does your cat regularly try to chew on non-edible items such as plastic, cloth, sweaters, bags, or electrical cords? This could be a sign of a rare condition in cats called pica. Often the cause of this is unknown, however some proposed reasons include mineral deficiencies, hyperthyroidism, genetics, boredom, and stress. If your cat is showing symptoms of pica, it’s time to have a full examination by a veterinarian in order to rule out any underlying problems.
Licking After a Bite
Have you ever experienced your cat giving you a bite, only to be followed by a curious licking session? If you have, you’re not alone! This strange and seemingly contradictory behavior can leave many cat owners puzzled, wondering about its meaning. If your cat licks then bites you out of the blue, then you might be in the presence of a “love bite.” Cats often bite to show affection, but only with gentle and more controlled nibbles. Some cats bite you as part of their grooming behavior – when felines clean each other they lick and nibble to ensure thorough hygiene. This means it is completely normal for our cats to bite us a little when grooming us.
But remember, if you are actively petting your cat and they give your finger a lick or two and then a nice chomp, it might be that they have had enough of your pets and are overstimulated. Overstimulation happens when you pet them for extended periods of time – after some time, something that they might have found enjoyable turns frustrating and results in a little bite. Rest assured that you’ll know when your cat bites you out of aggression as opposed to when it gives you a “love nibble,” as aggressive biting is often accompanied by hissing or rigid, bristled body language.
Why Do Cats Lick You?
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism, but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat’s mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection. Many cats carry this behavior into their adult lives, licking their humans to pass along that same sentiment.
Interestingly enough, cats also lick to mark their territory and claim something as their own. In this case, if your cat is licking you, they’re trying to ensure that other cats or animals know who you belong to – them! And remember, if you have the taste of some yummy treats on your skin, then your pet may have another motive for their licking behavior!
Why Cats Show Their Bellies When They See You
Have you ever wondered why your cat shows their belly when they see you? Contrary to common belief, a cat presenting its belly is not always an invitation for a belly rub. Rather, it’s a gesture of confidence – when a cat shows you their belly, it means the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn’t feel threatened. They feel safe enough to expose their vulnerable area without worrying about being attacked. It is a sign that your cat fully trusts you and feels safe with you.
Cats also expose their bellies as a way of saying hello to you – they are happy to see you and hope to get some attention, treats, or pets!
Why Cats Ignore You
Your cat is sitting across the room. You look over to them and you call their name – and nothing happens. Your feelings get hurt and you wonder, “Does my cat even recognize my voice at all?”
A study conducted at the University of Tokyo found that cats can recognize their owner’s voices. What’s more, cats can recognize their names even when it is called by a stranger. Some felines will twitch their ears or tilt their head when they hear their name being called.
However, the study also found that only about 10% of those cats come when called. Cats do know your voice and their names, but they don’t always feel the need to offer a response. Unlike dogs, who generally want to be involved in every situation and activity and often follow their humans around constantly, cats are more independent. And of course this is why we find cats so appealing – it is the very nature and behavior of cats that makes them one of the most popular pets.
Now that you know more about your cat and their behaviors, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Does your cat stretch when they see you? Share your own experience and make sure to subscribe to our channel for more cat videos.
