Our feline friends exhibit lots of intriguing behaviors. And, often, such behaviors will instill curiosity in us. As lovers of the feline kind, we often ask ourselves why our cats do what they do. And, thanks to the internet and social media, itโs not always difficult to figure out the rhyme to our catsโ reason. One interesting behavior our cats will display is when they stand on their hind legs. I know for myself personally I love it when domestic cats meerkat. If youโve ever wondered why it is that cats stand on their hind legs, well, youโve landed in the right place because Iโm here to share the details of this irresistibly perfect understanding of cat behavior. Just keep reading!
First, a little about cat body structuresโฆ
In case you didnโt already know this, your catโs back legs are slightly longer than their front legs. And not only this, but their back legs are well-developed and muscular, too. So, while it might look strange to see your cat walking or standing around on their hind legs, know that this is easy for them to doโthat is if they donโt have a lot of extra meat on their tummy weighing them down. Your catโs back legs have the power to propel them six times their body length. So, those back legs have no issues letting them prop up into a purrfect little meerkat, too!
Think of the way that cats arch their backs when they feel threatened
While it might appear a bit silly to us humans, some cats will stand on their hind legs if they feel an immediate threatโsimilar to how they will arch their backs. When cats are scared, they will rely on age-old instinct that tells them they must make themselves look more intimidating. And, when youโre roughly 9lbs, youโve gotta think bigโliterally. This is the reason why cats will stand on their hind legs as a means to trick others around them into thinking theyโre tall and in charge.ย
Your cat might stand on their hind legs when they want somethingโฆsuch as food
We know that dogs are not shy about begging for food, and since your feline friend is opportunistic by nature, donโt think they wonโt do the same! Cats will be cats, and sometimes our cats will meerkat because something that smells delicious to them has captivated their interest. When it comes time to spoil your kitty with cat treats, they might be quick to stand on those hind legs because it puts those scrumptious treats closer within reach!
For some cats, channeling their inner meerkat is just a way of life
Cats are incredible beings, and weโve read many heartwarming tales of cats that have lived on to see another day and not allowed their disabilities to slow them down. Such is the case for one adorable cat weโve written about named Able Maew. After losing his two front legs in a near-fatal accident, he was able to show the world he was still just like any other cat and found a new way to get around. This sweet boy inspires us all with his positive energy and ability to not let his disability define him or his precious spirit.
Many cats will meerkat simply because they can!
Just like the way our feline friends will sploot, perch on our shoulders, or entertain us with their other silly cat antics, some cats stand on their hind legs simply because theyโre agile and they can! In these moments when we catch our cats doing the meerkat, they will often be perfectly still, with eyes wide open, their focus dead set on something which has caught their undivided attention. Your cat might also do this when you are near because this puts them up higher and closer to youโand those hands that they want to pet them! You might also catch your cat doing the meerkat right before they are about to do that silly sideways walkโAKA crab walk. This delightful feline behavior is a favorite among many, myself included!
Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with another cat lover in your life so that they can learn something, too.ย
Check out this next article featuring a gallery of standing cats!
