You’ve probably noticed that when you arrive home or return from somewhere, your cat likes to rub against your legs, flop onto its back, or perform a big stretch. Sometimes it even puts on a short performance that combines all of these behaviors.

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While we’ve written many times about rubbing and showing the belly, it has only just occurred to us that we haven’t yet talked about this other characteristic feline behavior. So let’s take a look at why cats stretch when they see their owner—but first, we’ll briefly talk about why cats stretch so much in general.

Beautiful Bengal stretching in the window

Why Do Cats Stretch So Much, and Why Is It Important?

Stretching is an extremely important activity for cats. So much so that in many countries, animal welfare guidelines often include the requirement that cats must be provided with opportunities to stretch in various positions. In cats, just as in humans, this movement plays a key role in increasing blood circulation and relieving muscle stiffness after periods of inactivity. During sleep, the brain partially paralyzes most muscles; since the body isn’t moving, blood doesn’t circulate properly through them.

When we wake up, we automatically stretch to improve blood flow to the muscles and the brain, which helps us feel more alert. Stretching lengthens muscle fibers so they’re ready for action. Since cats can sleep or at least rest for up to 16–20 hours a day, it makes sense that they stretch much more often than we do. As both predators and prey animals, cats need to be able to prepare quickly—either to pounce on a mouse or to flee from a bird of prey.

As with humans, stretching also feels particularly good for cats. It can help relieve tension in the back and shoulder muscles and releases endorphins in the brain, creating an overall sense of well-being. However, cats don’t always stretch for the same reasons we do, and depending on the situation, the act of stretching can carry different meanings.

Kurilian Bobtail

This Is Why Cats Stretch When They See Their Owner

1.) A social signal

One of the most charming feline behaviors can simply be a social gesture, a sign that your cat is relaxed and feels comfortable in your presence. This is especially true if you have a close bond with your cat. During social rolling—when the cat rolls onto its back or side upon seeing you—it may also stretch out its paws. For cats that particularly enjoy human touch, this can even be an invitation to interact; in other words, a request for you to bend down and pet them. (If they don’t appreciate your attempt, don’t take it personally—just continue to admire them.)

2.) Stretching can simply mean… stretching

Imagine the situation: you’ve just arrived home after a long day at work. Your cat is either already waiting by the door or has just emerged from the peaceful comfort of its favorite spot. It’s so excited that you’re home that it immediately runs toward you; the usual post-nap stretch doesn’t happen at the resting place this time, but right there in front of your eyes.

Stretching out the paws

3.) It wants to get your attention

As mentioned earlier, this is one of the sweetest and most adorable habits—one that tends to awaken the urge to cuddle in most owners. If your cat has associated stretching with chin scratches, praise, or even treats, it’s quite possible that it’s deliberately putting on a little show for you.

If you notice that while resting, your cat positions itself during stretching in a way that makes contact with you, it may also be expressing a desire to connect and grow closer. You know—like when a couple is sitting next to each other and the guy stretches and casually places his arm around the girl’s shoulders or on the back of her chair. Just incidentally, without making a big deal of it. If your furry friend achieves what it wants this way, it will surely use this technique regularly.

A Note on Stretching

We always try to draw attention to how important it is to get a scratching post that is tall and stable enough for your cat to fully stretch its body on. It’s crucial that the structure really is tall and sturdy, because your cat won’t use it if it can’t climb high enough or if it fears that it might tip over (possibly due to bad experiences in the past). A scratching post can bring positive changes not only to your cat’s life, but to yours as well. If your cat has a tendency to scratch everything in sight, a well-placed scratching post sprayed with pheromones can help redirect this habit.

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