Why do kittens hunch their backs?

Question

My kitten, while playing, tends to hunch her back and run sideways. What does that mean?

Answer 1

It's just an instinct. My cat does it for 2 reasons: to stretch (99% of the time) and because she's in a defensive stance that makes her look larger (1% of the time). I think mostly it just feels good to the cat. My cat also darts around and jumps sideways when playing or startled.

Answer 2

Kittens use play to learn defense mechanisms. The hunch of the back and running sideways is just part of it. She will grow out of it.

Answer 3

yeah, it's to look bigger - arched up and turned sideways is about as big as they can be.

As adults they'll do it when they're serious (some still play that way though).

Our girl had kittens (pg stray, I don't breed them) and at around 5 weeks old that was such a fad.  They arched/hunched for everything - any noise, any movement. It was adorable.  Eventually we gave away 3 and kept 1 then found another little one around 5 weeks old and he kept doing it to the bigger kitten who just looked like a bored teenager who had seen it all before.  It's been a few weeks and the little one still does all these ridiculous looking aggressive and defensive postures at the other cats.  He spends most of his time playing with the 18 week old kitten and a 1 year old kitty so I guess it's that much more important to look big.

Answer 4

normal defensive reaction..."Look how big and scary I am...better stay back!"

Answer 5

Since she is so small... she is trying to make herself look bigger. that is also why they stand up the hairs the best that they can. Just to appear larger. my lil guys used to do that... now they just dive bomb each other. it is funny looking. Cracks me up!

Answer 6

she is scared

Answer 7

I have no idea why but doesn't it look SOO funny!

Cute.. =]