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Cat Stretching: Why Do Cats Love To Stretch So Much?
If you're a cat owner, you're probably familiar with how much cats love stretching their bodies. As your cat twists into positions that seem to defy anatomical possibility, you wonder for the umpteenth time what is happening in that furry little head.
Why must cats stretch with such vigor and frequency? Do they get muscle cramps from napping 23 hours a day? Are they training for the feline Olympics? Or do they just enjoy showing off their extreme flexibility and making their humans feel like uncoordinated blobs by comparison?
Common Benefits Of Stretching
So, do you want to know why your cat stretches in the most peculiar positions and places? It turns out there are some surprisingly logical reasons behind their bendy behavior.
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Muscle and Joint Health: Stretching keeps cats limber. All that napping means stiff joints, so they must flex and extend to stay loose and agile. After all, how else will they suddenly sprint after a feather toy or laser pointer at a moment's notice?
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Improved Circulation: Stretching also gets their blood flowing, essential for delivering oxygen to necessary cat parts like their brain (for plotting world domination), stomach (for digesting treats), and paws (for kneading your lap).
Stress Relief: Stretching Calms The Mind And Body
When your cat arches their back and extends their limbs, it's not just to improve their physical state. Stretching provides some surprising mental benefits for your furry friend.
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Stress Relief. Just like when you stretch out your arms overhead after a long day, stretching helps calm a cat's mind and body. All that napping must be exhausting, so an entire body stretch does wonders for loosening up muscles and releasing pent-up energy.
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Releases Feel-Good Hormones: Stretching stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and mood elevators. No wonder your cat always looks so content after a good long stretch! These endorphins give them an overall sense of well-being and pleasure.
Fun Fact: Felines tend to protect their bellies, given that it's one of their most vulnerable body part. So, if you see your cat doing a belly-up stretch near you, it's a good indicator that they're comfortable and feel safe around you!
Practice Stretches Together
Why should your cat have all the fun? Show your feline companion some solidarity by stretching together. As your cat arches their back or extends their legs, let this be a reminder to do some stretches yourself.
Not only will you give your own muscles a much-needed reprieve from the couch, but you'll bond with your cat over your shared love of feeling limber and loose.
For upcoming chilly early-morning strolls or to warm up on the couch with your feline companions, our cat hoodie is perfect for you.
Cat owners, embrace your inner feline & shop our entire cat collection - 25% of all proceeds go directly to no-kill animal shelters!
FAQ
Why do cats need to stretch?
Stretching helps circulate their blood and loosen up their muscles after a satisfying cat nap. Snoozing in one position for too long can get uncomfortable, even for a feline.
Sometimes cats stretch out of boredom. It gives them something to do in between naps when no toys or laser pointers are in sight.
What hormones get released when cats stretch?
Some stretches are a form of stress relief. A big, full-body stretch can release endorphins to help your cat relax.
Why is my cat stretching while sleeping?
Cats are stealthy creatures by nature, and stretching helps awaken their senses. Even when lounging lazily at home, the instinct to be alert is strong.
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