Cats use body language and behaviors to communicate with humans and other animals. One interesting behavior that cats exhibit is raising their hindquarters up in the air while keeping their front legs on the ground. This is commonly referred to as “elevator butt” or “Halloween cat.” There are several possible reasons a cat might raise its bum, and being able to interpret this cat body language cue can give you insight into how your cat is feeling.
Marking Territory
One of the most common reasons cats raise their hindquarters is to mark territory. In the wild, cats will mark trees, fence posts, furniture, etc. with their scent glands. There are scent glands located on a cat’s paws, cheeks, and at the base of their tail. When a cat rubs against an object, spreads their toes, or scratches at it, they are depositing their unique scent from these glands.
Raising the bum against an object allows a cat to really concentrate their scent in that spot. This sends a visual and olfactory message that they claim this area. Cats who are not neutered or spayed are more likely to exhibit territorial marking behaviors. However, even fixed cats will still want to mark territory, especially if other cats are nearby.
Some signs your cat is raising its bum to mark territory:
– They rub against and scratch furniture or other vertical objects
– Their tail may quiver rapidly during this behavior
– You may see small amounts of urine deposited
– This occurs more often near doors/windows where they can sense other cats
– Unfixed male cats mark more frequently
To curb excessive territorial marking, be sure your cat is neutered or spayed. Provide plenty of vertical scratching posts and cat towers for them to rub against. Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate lingering odors. Diffusers with feline facial pheromones can also help relax territorial tensions.
Strengthening Muscles
Cats are natural athletes capable of jumping up to 6 times their height. They have powerful hindquarters containing muscles that propel their back legs for pouncing, climbing, running, and leaping. As with any athlete, muscles need to be stretched and strengthened. Raising the bum is one way cats work and flex their leg, hip, and back muscles.
Cats may exhibit this stretch and strengthening behavior in the following contexts:
| When waking up from a nap |
| Before or after play sessions |
| While grooming themselves |
| During or after using the litter box |
| When getting up from resting |
| Before going into a hunt-like stalking posture |
So in these scenarios, your cat’s tush display is likely a muscular warmup or workout, not necessarily a communicative behavior. Proper exercise helps cats maintain flexibility and strength. Make sure your cat has ample high spaces to climb and appropriate toys to stimulate their natural hunting abilities.
Stretching the Spine
Cats have extremely flexible spines thanks to having more vertebrae than humans. But with flexibility comes the need to stretch out the spine frequently. Arching the back into a hollow position by raising up the hindquarters allows cats to elongate the spine and extend the back muscles for relief.
Reasons why a cat may perform a butt raise back stretch include:
| – After napping in a curled position |
| – When they wake up first thing in the morning |
| – Following a big meal |
| – As an interlude when grooming |
| – After using the litter box |
| – When something suddenly startles them |
The raised hind leg position lets cats get a satisfying back extension. It likely feels good to stretch out a stiff spine after resting. Cats who rapidly alternately lift each back leg may be getting a bonus spinal twist and lengthening the abdominal muscles too.
Ensure your cat has open areas and elevated surfaces to fully stretch out on. Petting along the back while they are upside down stretches the spine. Offering gentle back rubs and scratches will also be appreciated.
Invitation to Play
Watching a cat lift their rear in the air while leaving their chest low and front legs extended forward is reminiscent of popular cat play posture. The play bow invite signals to other cats or owners that they are ready for a friendly game.
Cats often exhibit play bowing when:
| – You initiate a game with a teaser toy or laser pointer |
| – When stalking or batting at prey-like toys across the floor |
| – If you rub the base of their tail |
| – When they are really excited and stimulated |
| – Near other cats that they view as playmates vs. rivals |
The raised hind posture combined with front legs sprawled forward allows easy pouncing and rapid starts and stops during play. Cats may dash forward then dip back down into the butt up position to entice chase. Flicking their tail back and forth also signals feline playtime.
Interact with your cat when they present their behind in an obvious invitation. Initiating play sessions is important for cat health and your bonding. In multi-cat households make sure each cat gets individual play periods to avoid competition.
Attention Seeking
Some cats learn that lifting their rear into the air gets a reaction from their humans. If people laugh at this posture or interact with the cat, it rewards and reinforces the behavior. The cat is likely to repeat anything that gains them attention, treats or playtime.
Cats may exhibit “elevator butt” when they want:
| – Food or treats |
| – You to play with them |
| – Your lap and petting |
| – Help getting up or down from something |
| – To lead you somewhere like the litter box or food bowl |
Any reaction the cat’s rump display elicits is seen as positive reinforcement. To avoid encouraging attention-seeking butt lifts, redirect them into a play session or simply ignore it. Also be sure all of kitty’s needs are met before reacting.
Mating Readiness
Intact male cats and females going into heat use their raised rear position to signal interest and readiness for breeding. Female cats in estrus will tread in place with their hind legs while lifting the behind up high. This mimics the mating posture that invites males to mount for copulation.
Intact male cats may also lift their rears near an intact female to see if she is receptive. The males have scent glands on their paws and signal sexual readiness by treading the ground or fictional rubbing while the rear is raised.
Some context clues your cat is displaying mating readiness:
| – Intact female cat over 6 months old |
| – Unneutered male cat over 8 months old |
| – Loud vocalizing by the female |
| – Increased rubbing and rolling by female |
| – Male frequent spraying of urine |
| – Male biting the female’s neck |
The simplest way to avoid mating signals and behavior is to spay or neuter your cat. Intact cats have strong urges to find a mate and mark territory that leads to problematic behaviors.
Inflamed Anal Sacs
Cats have small anal sacs located on each side of the anus that contain strong smelling liquid. These anal gland secretions allow cats to mark territory when combined with urine spraying. If the sacs become impacted or infected, they may cause discomfort and inflammation.
Signs that butt raising is related to anal gland issues include:
| – Scooting rear end along the floor |
| – Excessive licking under the tail |
| – Pain when defecating |
| – Red, swollen skin near anus |
| – Bad odor from behind |
See your vet if anal sac impaction or infection is suspected. They can express the glands and provide medication if needed. Some cats need their anal glands expressed manually on a routine basis if they don’t empty well naturally.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Cats can develop an allergic reaction to flea bites on their skin. Flea allergy dermatitis causes severe itching, especially at the base of the tail. A cat may aggressively bite, lick, scratch, and rub their hindquarters against surfaces to relieve the itch sensation.
Raising the bum in the air can signal a cat has flea allergy symptoms if these other signs are also present:
| – Restlessness and vocalizing from discomfort |
| – Hair loss near tail and hind legs |
| – Scabs and red bumps on the rump |
| – Frequent scooting hindquarters on ground |
| – Tapeworm segments in stool (fleas transmit tapeworms) |
Addressing the flea infestation is critical. Vacuum thoroughly and wash all bedding. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an effective monthly preventive medication. Restrict scratching and allow sores to heal. Anti-itch medication can provide relief.
Impacted Anal Glands
Cats have small sacs located on each side of the anus that contain a strong smelling liquid secretion. This secretion marks territory when combined with urine spraying. Sometimes these anal glands can become blocked or abscess. Signs that a cat is raising its hindquarters due to blocked anal glands include:
| – Excessive licking or biting at the rear |
| – Dragging hindquarters on the floor |
| – Excessive or strained attempts to defecate |
| – Red, swollen, painful area around the anus |
| – Bad odor emanating from behind |
If anal gland impaction is suspected, see your veterinarian. They can express the anal glands manually to relieve the blockage. Some cats need routine anal gland expression if they do not empty properly on their own. Treatment with medication may be needed for infection.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
This condition is thought to be caused by abnormal nerve signals to the brain. It results in periods of agitation, vocalizing, running frantically, biting/licking the lower back, and raising the rump up. These episodes come and go unpredictably. FHS may be triggered by stress or overstimulation.
Other signs your cat’s butt raises are related to FHS:
| – Rippling of the skin along the back |
| – Aggressive grooming of lower back/tail areas |
| – Experiencing sensations of phantom critters crawling on them |
| – Unpredictable mood changes |
| – Enlarged or sensitive pupils during episodes |
Consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying spinal or neurological conditions. Medication may help reduce the severity of episodes. Reduce stressors in your cat’s environment and create a predictable routine. Calming pheromones may also lessen anxiety.
Conclusion
A cat sticking its rear end up in the air can certainly look silly and get your attention! But this posture actually conveys a variety of messages. Territorial marking, playtime signals, mating readiness, and need for stretching are just some possibilities. Look at the whole body and environment for context clues to the meaning. Knowing why cats raise their behinds gives you insight into meeting their needs. With proper care and routine vet visits, your cat will have no need for excessive rump displays. By understanding their communication, the bond with your cat strengthens.