why do cats arch their back and walk sideways

Leo

I’ve noticed my cat often arches its back and walks sideways, especially when it sees another cat or hears a strange noise. It looks almost like it’s trying to make itself appear bigger, but I’m not entirely sure why. Is this a defensive behavior, or is there another reason behind it? I’m curious if other cat owners have observed this and what their experiences are.

Ella

This is totally normal! Cats arch their backs and sidestep to make themselves look larger and more intimidating when they feel threatened. My cat, Whiskers, does this every time the neighbor’s dog barks. It’s their way of saying, "Back off!" without actually fighting.

William

I think it’s a mix of fear and playfulness. My kitten, Luna, does this when she’s excited during playtime, not just when she’s scared. She’ll arch her back, puff up her tail, and hop sideways like she’s pretending to be a fierce little predator. It’s adorable but also fascinating how flexible their behavior is.

Delilah

From what I’ve read, this behavior stems from their wild instincts. Big cats like cougars do the same thing to appear more dominant or to assess a threat. Domestic cats might not face real danger, but those instincts are still hardwired. My older cat, Shadow, does this less often now, but he used to react this way to new people.

Alexander

It could also be a way to stretch their spine. Cats are super flexible, and arching their back might just feel good. My vet mentioned that sometimes it’s not even about fear—it’s just part of their natural movement. Of course, if they’re hissing or growling too, then it’s definitely a defensive stance.