You are here:

Cats/cat hehaviour

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/6/2009


Question
Hi, my one year old tabby often lies on his back and moves around by grabbing nearby objects with his paws. He usually does this underneath my bed. Is this normal and why does he do this? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sophy.  It's not something that every cats does, but it is just a form of play.  He may enjoy a cat tunnel, which could help save the lining of your box spring!  Many cat tunnels also have toys that dangle inside, which would be perfect for a kitty who enjoys playing on his back.  He could crawl his way through on his back as often as he likes, grabbing at the toys as he moves.  The Cat A Trail tunnel is of a many examples of fun tunnels for cats.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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