Cats doing the 'crab walk'

Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 08:29

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Okay, so it’s definitely not a life-altering question, but does anyone know why kittens, when they’re all hyper, with their backs arched and doing the 'crab walk', hold their tails to the side? It’s the same for adults too; I’ve noticed that when Félia plays with her little brother and they’re chasing each other, even if she isn’t doing the sideways run, she still positions her tail to the side.

Come on then, what’s the verdict? We haven’t got all night!

Cats doing the 'crab walk'

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 13:50

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Spot on, cats definitely use their tails to communicate with each other.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 13:20

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So, holding the tail to one side means "Watch out, I’m about to attack!", then?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 13:14

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When they’re wound up, they swish their tails from side to side. It’s basically a code between them, if you like—the other cat knows exactly how far they can push it without getting a swipe or a scratch.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 13:04

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Hmm, I'm not convinced, and I still haven't got an explanation for the tail held to the side... Do you reckon that's how they manage to do the 'crab-walk'? But in that case, why do adults, who don't do the crab-walk anymore, still put their tails to the side when they're excited? Sorry, but I just don't get the link between crabbing and/or the arched back, and the tail to the side, especially since they don't always do it all at the same time.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 12:38

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Yeah, but for the kittens it helps them with their sideways crab walk to impress the others.

And for the adults, it’s to get ready to arch their backs and puff themselves up to look big and impressive.

Honestly, you have to do everything yourself around here!

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 11:53

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Ah, I see Jocya, so having their tail to one side is meant to help with crab-walking? But the adults put their tails to the side sometimes too (I’ve seen Félia do it), yet they don’t crab-walk... It’s a mystery! Ugh, typical—they just settled for playing with the thread, and little Gatsby was busy going mad in the ironing basket! You really can’t count on cats to help out around the house, can you? Honestly...

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 11:19

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It lets them do that sideways crab-walk and puff themselves up to impress other cats.

@euquinorev your cats are lovely, have they finished the ironing yet?

Kisses to your two little darlings.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 09:28

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Yeah, definitely Silvana, it really reminds me of little crabs—they scuttle sideways as well! :)

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 09:26

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Thanks from them, Anaisyl and Mure :) And they love having their photo taken so much that I wonder if they know how gorgeous they are ;)

Yes, you're right, arching their back is a sign of intimidation; but the "crab walk", is that just for kittens? I don't think adults do it. Mind you, whether they're kittens or adults, I really wonder what it means when they put their tail to one side.

I bet, Mure, trying to get a photo of them at times like that is a proper mission impossible!

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

04/09/2011, 09:21

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I'm not sure why, but I'm in stitches whenever they do it, it's hilarious!!

And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who calls it "the crab" :))

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