Why Do Cats Arch Their Back When You Pet Them. Cats! As you are no doubt aware, cats do not normally use spoken language to communicate with humans.
Luckily, however, they have their own universal body language that can help us understand what they’re telling us.
A strange but enjoyable fetish could be as easy as arched backs and slowly closing eyes while the cat is being petted in the right spot, like on his or her spine.
Why Do Cats Arch Their Back When You Pet Them
A cat arching its back could mean a number of things. It can indicate pleasure and contentment, as well as be used to help the cat adjust its position so you can continue petting or touching its favorite spot. If you’re worried about pleasing your pet while it’s time to focus on petting time, there are some very noticeable mannerisms that will let you know if it’s enjoying it notes calm demeanor, breathing still and steady, ears and whiskers in neutral positions, and low tail flicking side to side at times.
It is also possible your cat arches its back because they may be stretching in order to ease tension in their back while their shoulder muscles get worked out too.
Ears
As most of us know, cats have exceptionally good hearing and often times use their ears to help detect danger or keep tabs on a situation.
When they are in a relaxed position, you will notice that they tend to keep their ears slightly angled to the side.
While they sleep or lay down, you may also notice their ears reacting quickly to some strange or interesting noise by moving the way one might expect them to if there were something going on around them like for instance a bird chirping, etc.
Fear And Distrust
You may have seen your friend start curling his/her back or fluffing up his/her fur when they meet a stranger.
This is actually an act of territorial protection and serves as a visual cue to others, announcing their readiness to protect themselves.
Sometimes cats don’t appreciate being patted on their head, so you should leave them alone if they show signs of apprehension like this.
It may be worth it to try applying calming cat treats as pets usually love getting treats from their owners.
Stretching
Some cats know how to stretch after waking up in order to make sure they’re nice and limber.
If your cat arches her back upon waking up from a nap, even when you pet it, she isn’t being rude she’s just getting the kinks out from sleeping curled up in a ball.
They Are Frightened
They might spend time doing something they enjoy, or they might even do something that makes them look as though they are lost in thought.
A cat parent will often see this body language during the evening hours near a window. We may also notice our cat sitting still and facing a corner in a room for an extended period of time.
This stance is actually your cat’s way of saying, “I can be quite focused on my thoughts at times. If you walk up to me, I might move away.”
Anxiety
If a cat is feeling very threatened at the moment, you might notice that his tail becomes a little puffier, he might arch his back.
Turn sideways and huff you’ll be able to hear him by the panting sound, or even growl or hiss. An anxious cat will sometimes scratch or bite as well.
Playful Mood
When cats are playing, they may get into similar positions to ones that are considered threatening responses, like the ‘ready to attack’ pose.
However, you should be able to differentiate between playtime and actual aggression because your cat isn’t showing its teeth or hissing and this kind of behavior is usually directed towards a playmate, favorite toy, or human.
If your cat is bouncing around with pouncing behavior in excitement, then it may mean that your feline companion is comfortable and friendly.