Why Cats Stretch When They See You?

In this video, we’ll explore the science behind cat stretching and explain the reasons why cats stretch when they see their humans.

To greet you
More often than not, cats stretch as a way of greeting you and saying Hello. The stretch is a sign of trust. It’s your cat’s way of telling you that they feel comfortable in your presence. Your cat feels so safe and at ease with you that they are not afraid to stretch and be vulnerable.
To seek attention
One of the main reasons why cats stretch when you are around is to get your attention.
Cats are intelligent animals. They know that if they do something cute, there's a good chance they'll receive something in return, like some pets, treats or just a bit of your focus.
Stretching serves as their way of saying, “Hey, Look at me. I am here. See how cute I am.”
To Prepare for Activities
Another reason why cats stretch is to get their body in motion. Like humans, cats need to stretch to warm up their muscles after sleeping or resting.
When your cat sees you, it's likely that they've just woken up from a nap and they are stretching to become active and ready for whatever comes next.
To Mark Their Territory:
Cats also stretch to mark their territory by leaving pheromone markings, so other cats know they live there.
In the same way the cats will love to rub against their owners and mark to claim them, scent marking via stretching is often done in an effort to claim various portions of the home.
To Cool Down
Another reason why cats stretch is to cool down. When the weather gets hot, cats often find a spot on cool pavement or grass, stretching out all four limbs.
Why cats make bird noises
Cats are known for their fast and intense teeth chattering, or as some will call it bird noises.
This chattering is often observed when a cat spots a bird or rodent outside of a window.
Cat behaviorists believe that cats chatter in a response to the excitement of seeing their hunt, and the frustration of not being able to catch it. This chattering could be your cat's way of communicating their excitement, frustration, or aggression towards their prey.
Eating Non-Food Items
Does your cat regularly try to chew on non-edible items such as plastic, cloth, sweaters, bags, or electrical cords? This could be a sign of a rare condition in cats called pica.
Some proposed reasons include mineral deficiencies, hyperthyroidism, genetics, boredom, and stress.
Licking After They Bite
Have you ever experienced your cat giving you a bite, only to be followed by a curious licking session?
If your cat licks then bites you out of the blue, then you might be in the presence of a love bite. Cats often bite to show affection. But only with gentle and more controlled nibbles.
But remember, if you are actively petting your cat and they give your finger a lick or two, and then a nice chomp, it might be that they have had enough of your pets and are overstimulated.
Why do cats lick you?
Licking is often a form of grooming and expressing affection. By licking you, they're marking you with their scent, which is a way of claiming you as their own.
Why cats show their bellies when they see you
When a cat shows you their belly, it means the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn't feel threatened. They feel safe enough to expose their vulnerable areas without worrying about being attacked. it is a sign that your cat fully trusts you and feel safe with you.
Cats also expose their bellies as a way of saying hello to you. They are happy to see you and hope to get some attention, treats or pets.
Why cats ignore you
Your cat is sitting across the room, you look over to them, and you call their name and nothing happens. Your feelings get hurt and you wonder, does my cat even recognize my voice at all? A study conducted at the University of Tokyo found that cats can recognize their owners’ voices. What’s more, cats can recognize their names—even when it is called by a stranger. Some felines will twitch their ears or tilt their head when they hear their name being called.
However, the study also found that only about 10 percent of those cats come when called. Cats do know your voice and their names but they don’t always feel the need to offer a response.
Unlike dogs, who generally want to be involved in every situation and activity and often follow their human around constantly, cats are more independent.

[RedRoseSeptember]

Our cats stretch mostly after a long nap, but when we come home they'll flop over exposing their tummies to greet us lol :D it's very cute.

[abbynormal]

Nevermind about why cats stretch when they see you.... Why do we always seem to automatically respond to our cat's stretching by saying, "Big stretch!"??? 🤔😄😄😄

[RalphTempleton-ie]

Say what you will about cats vs. dogs, but I know my cats love me almost as much as I love and depend on them. I'm a better person for having these amazing animals in my life

[garethjohnstone]

Mine likes to jump on my bed, walk up to my face and stretch, but with one paw reaching out to my face and sort of taps my cheek 2 or 3 times and even makes the equivalent of the noise we make when we stretch. He's petting ME! Cute little buddy.

[tiaa]

I’ve taught my wife’s cat to give me a hug when she stretches 😭 we got her at 4weeks ( unintentionally) and i would say big hugs and she starts stretching then i pick her up ( instant purrs and kisses)

[Lillian]

I have a cat, his Name is SPARKIE. He is not just a pet, he comforts me.

[loretta_]

The thing I love most about having a cat is making a relationship, where we both make allowances for each other, and two creatures that are so different can create a bond of affection. It's not a case of a human simply forcing their will on another animal - hope that makes sense!😄

[KevinChristensen-hx]

I had a cat, and they always stretch to get ready for attention from you.😊

[kimberlypatton]

I hold my cat under her armpits while she stretches !I just love seeing her front toes spreading out! I stretch too and it just feels good when you wake up..

[muratsahin]

They are preparing themselves to be loved. 😃👍

[RockDodger]

I love my cats.. I love my neighbours cats.. I love your cats... Cats!! lol

[John-xrp]

I knew most of these reasons.., I spent 8 lon months watching neighborhood ferel cats where they hàng out. I learned through observation and waatched only and let them take their time to know me... I talk to them calmly and in 4ime they chose a rep to let me. Know I was now a member of their But thanks for confirming. What I already knew .
Thif other side of the coin.... I had to give them names. They learned just once, and only trusted me to be touched, or only came to me when called 😊

[bellawalker]

I ❤ my Tabby cat 🐈 Guerro, he’s such a good boy !

[joostdriesens]

My cat does a really exagerated long stretch on her back, so much that she looks like a frozen plank. It looks very funny and she knows it.. 😆

[CallidusSSM]

Honestly, I think the 10% thing might have had more to do with the testing environment. I have several cats. (I’ve had 16 in total over the years.) They all almost always come when called, though sometimes I have to do so several times before they relent. Even if it’s just to pop their head around the corner so I know they didn’t get out of the house. On occasion they do ignore me if they’re really comfortable though.

[cynthiajfannin]

All six of my cats stretch when they see me except for my three legged foster who is missing a back leg. Even my 10 week old kitten will stretch out her back legs as she walks towards me!🥰

[tlj]

We are a one cat and one dog household. She doesn’t like other cats and tolerates the dog. She is the alpha of the two. She is a wonderful companion to us and our dog.

[markydo]

I'm a dog guy myself, but my dog and I have adopted an abandoned cat and she is a little lady. They get along fine, although he lets her know that this is his home first and foremost 😂

[katalytically]

I've had a few cats who were indoor/outdoor cats and they make that chittering noise even outdoors when they see prey, mostly birds, frequently while slowly moving towards it. I always though it was a way to lull the birds to get close enough to catch them.

[CatsGlobe]

Cat stretches are like their way of saying 'Hello, human!' 🐾😺