Why Do Cats Do the Crab Walk?
Have you ever seen your cat scuttle sideways across the floor like a crab? This funny behavior is known as the crab walk, and it fascinates cat owners. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this quirky cat move.
The Crab Walk Explained
The crab walk involves a cat walking sideways with their belly arched up and legs bent. Often, their fur will be standing on end during the crab walk too. From the side, it looks like the cat is scuttling along crab-style! Some cats even keep low to the ground and move their legs in a paddling motion imitating a crab’s movements.
Cats don’t perform this behavior to intentionally copy a crab, though There are several motivations behind the crab walk in cats Let’s look at the main reasons cats scuttle sideways.
Defensive Posturing
One of the most common reasons for the crab walk is as a defensive posture. Cats feel vulnerable with their bellies and vital organs exposed. When threatened, they instinctively protect these areas.
Arching the back and twisting the body sideways makes cats appear bigger too. This helps them look more intimidating to potential predators. Fluffing up their fur adds to the effect.
You’ll often see cats crab walking away from something they find threatening. It’s a defensive position to avoid attack.
Stretching and Releasing Tension
The crab walk is also thought to help cats stretch out and loosen up. The exaggerated arching of the back combined with the sideways steps stretches the spine and leg muscles.
Cats can hold a lot of tension in their bodies. The crab walk may act like a feline yoga pose to relieve tightness. Just like we feel better after a good stretch, crab walking probably gives cats’ muscles some release.
Marking Territory
As cats crab walk, they rub up against objects, leaving their scent behind. This can be a way for cats to subtly mark an area as their territory. It allows them to lay claim without an overt display like spraying.
Cats have scent glands on their feet, cheeks, and tail area. As they brush past furnishings and walk along walls during a crab walk, they spread their odor. Other animals can pick up on these territorial scent cues.
Playfulness
Don’t be surprised to see a crab walking cat scuttle over to you with a toy in their mouth. This can be an invitation to play. The silly crab walk helps get your attention and shows off their playful mood.
Kittens especially will crab walk during play as they prance and hop after toys. It’s a goofy move that’s part of energetic kitten antics.
Pent-Up Energy
That crazy behavior called the zoomies, when cats frantically tear around the house, can also feature crab walking. It’s linked to bursts of unspent energy.
Cats let off steam through the odd zooming behavior. The crab walk may pop up as they zip manically around the room during a bout of the zoomies.
Grabbing Your Attention
Cats crave our attention, so they have various tactics to grab focus back to them from smartphones, books, or chores. A sideways scuttle into the room often does the trick.
The crab walk is an attention-seeking behavior for some cats. They know the bizarre movement will catch your eye. It works to shift your focus back to showering them with affection.
Age-Related Issues
Senior cats with arthritis or other joint problems may adapt their gait into a crab walk. It’s an easier way for them to move around versus normal walking. The exaggerated arch helps take pressure off sore joints.
Medical Conditions
While a crab walk itself isn’t a medical condition, issues like ear infections, neurological disease, or diabetes can sometimes cause odd or unbalanced movements like crab walking.
If your cat suddenly starts crab walking when they never did before, have your vet check them over. It could indicate an underlying medical issue.
Breed Tendencies
Certain breeds like Persian cats are more prone to crab walking. Their long, thick coats tend to catch in their legs as they walk. Crab walking helps avoid this.
Inquisitive breeds like Siamese and Bengals may crab walk more while exploring their environment compared to less active cats. But any breed can do it!
Why Do Some Cats Crab Walk More?
While all cats are certainly capable, some scuttle sideways more often than others. Let’s look at key factors that can make a cat more prone to crab walking.
Personality
Naturally playful, energetic cats and kittens crab walk more in play. Shy, timid cats do it more as defensive posturing. Attention-seekers use it to get you to notice them. Personality plays a role.
Breed
As mentioned, breeds with long fur or those that are highly active and curious tend to crab walk more often. But it’s not limited to any specific breed.
Age
Kittens crab walk frequently as they play and explore. Seniors dealing with arthritis might adapt their movement to a crab walk. It’s most common in the very young and old.
Environment
Cats who only live indoors have fewer opportunities to walk properly and may crab walk just for something different. Multi-cat homes lead to more crab walking to mark territory.
Health
Cats with conditions causing weakness, unbalanced movements, or joint issues are more likely to crab walk at times. Any health influences on gait can lead to crab walking.
Early Life
Kittens separated from mom and litter-mates too early often don’t develop proper walking skills. They tend to crab walk more as their normal movement pattern.
Is Crab Walking a Problem?
Crab walking itself is almost never a problem or reason for concern. It’s completely normal cat behavior. Some key points:
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It’s not a medical issue in itself. Some illnesses can cause it, but a crab walk alone is not a health problem.
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It’s not a sign of aggression. Sometimes it’s defensive posturing but not actual aggression or attack mode.
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It’s not harmful. Cats aren’t hurting themselves or showing stress by crab walking.
The only exception is if your cat suddenly develops a frequent crab walk when they never did before. Have your vet examine them as it may indicate an underlying medical condition. Otherwise, enjoy this cute cat quirk!
How To Reduce Crab Walking
While crab walking is normal, you can minimize it if your cat seems obsessive. Here are some tips:
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Clip long fur between paw pads if it’s catching and annoying them.
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Provide a stimulating environment with cat trees, toys, and scratchers.
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Establish set playtime to burn energy and deter boredom.
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Use calming plugins and treats for high-stress cats.
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Limit access to windows/doors if they crab walk territorially at what they see outside.
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Address any medical conditions contributing to weakness or pain.
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Ensure litter boxes are accessible to avoid accidents that provoke crab walking.
The Crab Walk – A Signature Cat Move!
While cats don’t intentionally imitate crustaceans, the crab walk is a distinctly feline behavior. It seems this funny scuttle across the floor is here to stay as a signature cat move!
Now you know the reasons for this quirky crab-like gait. It’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. In fact, many cat owners have come to adore this endearing (and sometimes comical) antics. Does your cat do the crab walk? Let us know why you think they do it in the comments!
Why do cats crab run?
If your cat hops and crab runs toward you, they be inviting you to play. If they perform the sideways hop away from you, particularly with a bushed-out tail, they are startled or fearful and need some space.
Do All Cats Crab Walk?
Crab walking is very individual. Some cats are master crab walkers, performing this amusing motion often, and some will never do it at all. Kittens are more likely to crab walk, as they are generally more playful than adult cats, but even non-playful adults might use this sideways walk to deter potential threats.
What Does It Mean When My Cat Walks Sideways?
FAQ
Why do cats do that weird side walk?
What could be the reason for a cat suddenly walking sideways? Cats may turn their bodies sideways to escape, if they are shy, or if they are uninterested.Nov 22, 2016
Why do cats arch their backs and run sideways?
Cats arch their backs and run sideways as a way to appear larger and more intimidating, often when they are startled, scared, or playing. This behavior, called piloerection, is an involuntary response to adrenaline, making their fur stand on end.
What does it mean when cats do the paw thing?
When a cat does the “paw thing,” it’s usually kneading, a behavior where they rhythmically push their paws in and out, often on a soft surface. This behavior, also called “making biscuits,” is a leftover from kittenhood and can signify contentment, relaxation, and affection.
Why does my cat walk sideways?
A crab walk itself is not a specific sign of illness, but some medical problems can result in a lack of coordination in your cat’s movements. Various neurological disorders can cause uncoordinated movements (ataxia) which can present as walking sideways, or in circles.
Why do cats crab walk?
Cats perform the crab walk for many reasons, including playfulness, practicing their motor skills, garnering attention, or when they have the zoomies. Conversely, they may also do the sideways walk when they are scared or angry, or due to a medical cause. Why do cats crab run? If your cat hops and crab runs toward you, they be inviting you to play.
What is crab walk behavior?
The crab walk behavior is a type of body language that domestic cats use to communicate. It is a form of nonverbal communication that conveys specific emotions and needs. Typically, cats adopt the crab walk posture when they feel threatened, playful, or are attempting to assert dominance over other cats in their territory.
Do cats like crab walking?
Cats do love practicing how to move quickly. When they are under duress in the wild or even as a domestic cat, they will make use of these skills. A lot of younger cats will practice by crab walking from time to time. They might paw at you and then crab walk. It is just a way of honing their skills a bit.
Why does a crab walk make a cat look bigger?
The crab walk, turning them sideways to threats, makes them appear larger and less vulnerable—necessary when avoiding becoming prey! Cats might arch their backs to make themselves appear larger and more threatening. They might puff up their fur and tails to seem even bigger and more menacing.
Why does my cat have a Crabwalk or sideways run?
In most cases, the crabwalk or sideways run is part of your cat’s playtime routine! It’s a way for cats to show other cats, or humans, that they’re interested in having fun similar to the play bow behavior you may already be familiar with in dogs. Your cat may want to be chased or they’re using it as a way to approach their favorite toy.