You are here:

Cats/cat behavior

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/19/2009


Question
Hi I noticed my cat that is 7 mo old has been hopping sideways when my other
cat is around wanting to play.  She arches her back and fluffs her tail as she
hops!  It's hilarious to watch but I have never had a cat that has done this
before??  Why would she be doing this?  Thanks!

Answer
Tamra,

Your kitten is just having fun. The sideways bounce is unique to kittens in most cases because it's all about releasing pent up playful energy. In our household the sideways bounce marks the beginning of what we call "Spaz Hour" which essentially means that everyone bounces off of the walls for about an hour. Enjoy the playful energy and you can add to your kitten's enjoyment by getting involved. Tossing small toys, crumpled bits of paper, shining a flashlight or laser light (do be careful to avoid shining these lights into anyone's eyes as they can do permanent damage) or using interactive toys like kitten mittens and kitty teases will help your kitten to drain more energy during play time which her older sibling will appreciate. Playing with your cat also builds trust and strengthens the bond between you. Your cats get loads of exercise which helps them to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Enjoy play time, get as involved as the cats want you to and above all make sure that everyone has fun.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.