Cats are known for their mysterious and sometimes perplexing behavior. As pet owners, we often wonder why our furry friends do the things they do. One of the most peculiar cat behaviors that has long puzzled feline enthusiasts and experts alike is something called “army crawling.” So what exactly is army crawling, and why do cats do it?
Army crawling is when a cat lays flat on its belly with its legs tucked under its body, and propels itself forward using its front legs, almost like a commando crawl. The cat’s hind legs usually drag behind limply while its front half wiggles ahead along the floor. It’s a very distinct and funny-looking way for cats to get around.
While adorable, this army crawl behavior has baffled cat owners for years. Cats are nimble, graceful creatures, so why would they resort to such an unorthodox and seemingly uncomfortable mode of transportation? Understanding the motivations behind this peculiar cat conduct has proven difficult, but animal behaviorists are beginning to shed light on this crawling conundrum.
Theories Behind the Army Crawl
There are several theories that aim to explain why cats army crawl:
Stalking and Hunting
One common theory is that army crawling is connected to a cat’s predatory instincts. Cats are natural hunters, so they may army crawl in order to sneak up on potential prey without being detected. The low, flat body position allows them to stay hidden and not give away their presence to an unsuspecting victim like a mouse or insect. This also explains why cats may army crawl with their eyes intensely focused forward.
Feeling Playful
Another speculation is that cats army crawl when feeling especially playful. The unusual movement may be their way of being silly and goofy for amusement. Cats bat at toys low along the ground in this posture, suggesting a mood of fun and games.
Stretching and Scratching
There is also the theory that cats army crawl to scratch an itch on their bellies. Slithering along the floor could be a way to address an irritation or to stretch out their abdomens and chests.
Marking Territory
Some animal experts propose that army crawling enables cats to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands on their paws and cheeks, so by army crawling around a space, they spread their scent in a form of chemical messaging.
Feeling Unwell
Finally, another idea is that army crawling could be a sign your cat isn’t feeling well. If they seem to struggle to walk upright and resort to crawling, it may indicate pain, injury, or illness that makes regular movement difficult.
When Do Cats Army Crawl?
Cats can army crawl at various times, though the behavior most commonly occurs:
- During playtime or when stalking toys
- When waking up from a nap or sleep
- While exploring a new environment
- When approaching food bowls
- After using the litter box
Kittens may army crawl more frequently than adult cats. Young cats seem especially prone to bouts of army crawling during energetic, mischievous play sessions.
Why Is It Called Army Crawling?
The name “army crawling” comes from the distinctive commando-like, belly-down crawl soldiers use during training exercises and combat. With the cat’s front half lowered close to the ground and hind legs dragging behind, the movement closely resembles a soldier crawling under barbed wire or across the battlefield.
Some other names for this include:
- Commando crawling
- Belly crawling
- Kitty crawling
- Cat crawling
- Prowling
But the military-inspired term “army crawling” seems most popular and descriptive of this unusual cat locomotion.
Should I Be Concerned About Army Crawling?
In most cases, army crawling is completely normal cat behavior and not a cause for worry. It seems to be an instinctive feline activity related to hunting, playing, stretching, scratching, territory marking, and more.
However, if your cat seems unable to walk properly and is relying on army crawling to get around, that could signify:
- Injury, pain, or orthopedic problems
- Neurological issues
- Abdominal discomfort
Some other signs your cat may not be feeling well include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and inappropriate urination. If you notice any of these symptoms along with persistent army crawling, contact your veterinarian.
Frequent army crawling in senior cats could also be a sign of developing health problems related to aging. Check with your vet if concerned.
How to Respond to Army Crawling
Usually army crawling is perfectly normal and you don’t need to intervene. But here are a few tips for responding to your cat’s commando crawling:
- Let your cat be. Don’t try to stop or disrupt the behavior.
- Make sure the environment is safe. Clear any dangerous objects.
- Provide toys or treats if they seem to be army crawling playfully.
- Give them a flat surface to crawl on if needed.
- Observe for any signs of injury or illness.
- Contact your vet if army crawling seems excessive or problematic.
Fun Facts About Army Crawling Cats
- Munchkin cats seem especially prone to army crawling due to their short legs.
- Overweight or obese cats may army crawl more often.
- There are videos of army crawling cat races where two cats commando crawl head-to-head!
- The Guinness Book of World Records contains an entry for the “farthest army crawl by a cat” at over 9 feet!
- Cats army crawl at an average speed of 3-4 miles per hour.
Why Cats Captivate Us
Part of what makes cats so endlessly fascinating is all their quirky, endearing behaviors we struggle to comprehend. The way they suddenly take off racing down the hall, attack our feet under blankets, or sit inside boxes and bags – feline mannerisms are impossibly cute yet perplexing.
Army crawling is just one of the many mysteries of cats. While experts are unlocking more clues about this peculiar prowling style, we may never fully understand every curious cat conduct. And maybe that’s how it should be. Cats enthrall us by retaining an element of the wild, reminding us that at the end of the day, they operate by their own set of rules in our domestic spaces.
The Takeaway on Army Crawling Cats
Why cats army crawl remains not 100% scientifically proven, but leading theories strongly link the behavior to hunting instincts, playfulness, scratching, territory marking, and physical issues. It’s most common in younger cats and during playtime or wake-up periods. Army crawling on its own is not problematic, but may signal illness if paired with other symptoms. Respond by letting kitty be, providing toys/treats, observing closely, and contacting your vet if worried. While the reasoning behind army crawling remains partially mysterious, this cute commando-style crawling is just one of the many intriguing aspects that make our feline friends so endlessly endearing.
More Cat Behaviors to Ponder
Beyond army crawling, cats exhibit many other behaviors that fascinate and perplex us. Here are a few more peculiar feline activities to ponder:
Kneading
Cats often knead or “make biscuits” by treading their paws on soft surfaces. Experts think this stems from an instinctive behavior kittens use to stimulate milk flow while nursing, that continues into adulthood for comfort.
Face Rubbing
Your cat head-butting or rubbing its face on you is a social bonding behavior and a way for them to mix their scent with yours, marking you as part of their territory.
Self-Grooming
Cats spend 30-50% of their waking hours self-grooming. This fulfills important hygienic needs but also helps them relax.
Eating Grass
Some cats graze on grass. This may help them vomit up hairballs and indigestible material, supplement fiber, oraid in digestion. It is believed that grass acts as a natural laxative for cats.
Chattering
When cats see prey, such as birds or squirrels, they may make a chattering sound with their teeth. This behavior is thought to be an expression of excitement and frustration from not being able to reach the prey.
Purring
Cats purr for various reasons, including contentment, relaxation, and as a way to communicate with their owners. However, the exact mechanism behind purring is still not fully understood.
Hiding
Cats are known for finding small, cozy spaces to hide in, such as boxes or under furniture. This behavior is believed to stem from their instinctual need to seek out safe and secure areas.
These are just a few examples of the fascinating behaviors that cats exhibit. Each cat is unique, and their behaviors add to their mysterious and captivating nature. Whether it’s army crawling, kneading, or purring, our feline friends continue to amaze and entertain us with their peculiar actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, army crawling is a peculiar behavior exhibited by some cats that involves dragging their bellies along the ground while keeping their hind legs extended. Although the exact reason behind this behavior is not fully understood, it is believed to be linked to hunting instincts, playfulness, scratching, territory marking, and physical issues. Army crawling is most common in younger cats during playtime or wake-up periods.
While army crawling on its own is not problematic, it may signal illness if paired with other symptoms. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, it is recommended to observe closely, let them be, provide toys or treats for stimulation, and contact your vet if necessary.
Apart from army crawling, cats exhibit many other intriguing behaviors. Kneading, face rubbing, self-grooming, eating grass, chattering, purring, and hiding are just a few examples. Each cat is unique, and their behaviors contribute to their mysterious and captivating nature. Whether it’s army crawling or any other peculiar action, our feline friends continue to fascinate and entertain us.