Cat Sideways Walk: 10 Possible Reasons & Vet Thoughts

The cat sideways walk is a popular feline behavior that has captivated the internet and cat-lovers alike. While the jury is still out on why cats do this peculiar walk, there are a few theories floating around.

Some believe that it’s simply because they’re curious creatures and want to explore their surroundings in a different way. Others believe that it’s a form of communication, perhaps used to signal to other cats that they’re feeling playful or friendly.

Whatever the reason, it’s undeniable that the cat sideways walk is one of the most adorable things a cat can do.

Here in this blog post I’ll try to focus on 10 different possible reasons for why your cat might be sideways walking. If you have any additional insights, please share them with us in the comments section below!

Cat Sideways Walk: What Is It Exactly?

We all know that cats can be quirky, and sometimes their behavior can be hard to figure out. If you’ve ever seen your cat walking sideways, you might be wondering what exactly they’re doing.

It’s called the “sideways walk” because, well, that’s exactly what it looks like! Your cat will lower their head and raise their rear end in the air while walking sideways. It looks a bit like they’re crab-walking, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal behavior.

For your better understand I attached a video down below so you can see this behavior in action.

10 Possible Reasons For Why Your Cat Is Sideways Walking

As I mentioned before, the jury is still out on why cats sideways walk. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take a guess! Here are 10 possible reasons for this quirky behavior.

Reason 1: They’re Curious Creatures

Did you ever stop and think that maybe, just maybe, your cat is sideways walking because they’re curious? It’s certainly possible!

Cats are natural explorers, and they love to check out every nook and cranny of their environment. Walking sideways might just be a way for them to see things from a different perspective.

Reason 2: It’s a Form of Communication

Another possibility is that sideways walking is a form of communication. Cats are very good at communicating with each other through body language, and this might be one way they do it.

When a cat walks sideways, they might be trying to signal to other cats that they’re feeling playful or friendly. Or, it could be a way of saying “I’m not looking for a fight.”

Reason 3: They’re Stretching Their Muscles

It’s also possible that your cat is sideways walking as a way to stretch their muscles. This behavior is often seen after a nap, when cats are getting up and trying to wake themselves up.

Walking sideways can help them loosen up their muscles and get the blood flowing. So if you see your cat doing this after a long nap, it’s probably nothing to worry about.

Reason 4: They’re marking Their Territory

Cats are very territorial creatures, and they like to mark their territory in a variety of ways. One way they might do this is by sideways walking.

When a cat walks sideways, they’re dragging their scent along the ground. This helps them mark their territory and make sure other cats know that this is their space.

Reason 5: They’re Trying to Get Your Attention

It’s possible that your cat is sideways walking as a way to get your attention. If they know that you find it cute or amusing, they might do it more often in an attempt to get your attention.

This is especially likely if you tend to give them treats or extra affection when they walk sideways. So if you think this might be the reason, try ignoring their behavior and see if they stop doing it.

Reason 6: They’re Feeling Ill or In Pain

Unfortunately, there’s also a possibility that your cat is sideways walking because they’re feeling ill or in pain. If this is the case, you’ll probably notice other changes in their behavior as well, such as lethargy or loss of appetite.

If you think your cat might be sick, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. They can rule out any medical problems and give you peace of mind.

Reason 7: They’re Bored or restless

Another possibility is that your cat is sideways walking because they’re bored or restless. If they don’t have anything else to do, they might start walking around in strange ways as a way to entertain themselves.

This is especially common in indoor cats who don’t have much to do all day. If you think this might be the case, try giving them more toys and playtime to keep them occupied.

Reason 8: They’ve Seen Another Cat Do It

If you have more than one cat, it’s possible that your cat has seen another cat walk sideways and decided to imitate their behavior. Cats are very good at copying each other, so this wouldn’t be surprising.

Reason 9: They’re Trying to Escape

If you have an indoor cat, it’s possible that they’re sideways walking as a way to escape. This behavior is often seen in cats who are trying to get out of a room or enclosure.

If you think this might be the case, try giving them more space and see if they stop walking sideways.

Reason 10: It’s Just Their Personal Preference

Last but not least, it’s possible that your cat is sideways walking simply because they prefer it! Some cats just like to walk in weird and interesting ways, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Is Crab Walk Something You Should Worry about?

In most cases, sideways walking is perfectly normal behavior and there’s no need to worry about it. However, if you notice other changes in your cat’s behavior, it’s best to take them to the vet just to be safe.

Other than that, just enjoy watching your cat walk sideways and try to figure out why they’re doing it. It might not make sense to us, but it’s all part of their mysterious feline nature!

Can A Cat Sideways Walk Be A Sign Of A Potential Health Issue?

Here I’ll address some of the potential health issues that could be linked with a cat sideways walk.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common health problem in cats, especially as they get older. If your cat is walking sideways, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing pain from arthritis.

2. Neurological problems

Another possibility is that your cat is sideways walking because of a neurological problem. This could include issues like seizures, head trauma, or a stroke.

3. Infection

If your cat is walking sideways and also has other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s possible that they have an infection. This could be anything from a cold to a more serious condition like feline leukemia.

4. Pain

It’s also possible that your cat is sideways walking because they’re in pain for some other reason. This could be due to an injury, surgery, or another health problem.

5. Restlessness

As I mentioned before, one possibility is that your cat is just restless and bored. If they don’t have anything else to do, they might start walking around in strange ways as a way to entertain themselves.

If you think your cat might be sick, it’s always best to take them to the vet for a check-up. They can rule out any medical problems and give you peace of mind.

Cat Walking Sideways with Arched Back

If you’ve ever seen your cat walking sideways with her back arched, you might have wondered what she was up to. This behavior, known as “freaking,” is actually quite common in cats.

While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be a way for cats to release excess energy or tension. Some experts also believe that it may help cats to stretch their muscles and loosen their joints.

In most cases, there is no cause for concern if your cat occasionally displays this behavior. However, if she begins freaking more frequently, it may be a sign that she is under stress or feeling anxious. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian for advice on how to help your cat relax.

Cat Walking Sideways and Falling Over

One of the things that can be most puzzling to cat guardians is when their cats start walking sideways and falling over. This behavior, which is also known as head tilt, can have a variety of causes, ranging from ear infections to neurological disorders.

If your cat is displaying these signs, it’s important to have her seen by a veterinarian so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated. In the meantime, here’s a brief overview of some of the things that could be going on.

One common cause of head tilt in cats is an inner ear infection. These infections are often the result of a viral or bacterial infection and can cause a variety of symptoms in addition to head tilt, including vomiting, loss of appetite, and dizziness.

Cats with ear infections will often shake their heads or scratch at their ears in an attempt to relieve the itchiness and pain. Treatment usually involves antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

Neurological disorders can also lead to head tilt in cats. One example is vestibular disease, which is caused by damage to the vestibular system (the part of the brain that controls balance).

Vestibular disease can be the result of old age, trauma, or even cancer. Cats with this condition may walk sideways or fall over frequently, and they may also exhibit nystagmus (abnormal eye movements).

Other neurological disorders that can cause head tilt include strokes and hydrocephalus (an accumulation of fluid around the brain). Treatment for these conditions will vary depending on the underlying cause.

If your cat is displaying any signs of illness, it’s important to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. While some causes of head tilt are relatively harmless, others can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for giving your cat the best possible chance for a full recovery.

Cat Walking Sideways After Spay

Spaying is a routine surgical procedure performed on female cats in order to sterilize them. The surgeon removes the cat’s ovaries and uterus through an incision in her abdomen. Most cats recover quickly and smoothly from spaying surgery, but some may walk sideways for a short period of time afterward.

There can be several reasons why a cat might walk sideways after spaying surgery. Pain is the most likely culprit. The incision site may be tender, and the cat may be unwilling or unable to put any weight on her hind leg (the side where the incision was made). In addition, some cats experience discomfort from the gas that is used during surgery. This pain usually goes away within a day or two.

If your cat is walking sideways after spaying surgery, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can determine if the behavior is due to pain or another problem and recommend the best course of treatment. With rest and pain relief, most cats return to their normal gait within a few days.

Cat Walking Sideways After Surgery

After any type of surgery, it’s normal for your cat to be a little disoriented. Slower movements and a decreased interest in playing are also common.

You may notice your cat walking sideways or holding up one leg when she tries to walk. These are all signs that your cat is still feeling the effects of the anesthesia and pain medication. It’s important to give her time to recover and not try to force her to walk or play before she’s ready.

Once she starts moving around on her own, you can help her regain her balance by placing her food and water bowls close to where she’s resting. If you have any concerns about your cat’s recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Cat Walking Sideways Symptoms

There are a variety of reasons why a cat might walk sideways, and the exact symptoms will depend on the underlying cause. Some common signs to look for include:

1. Walking with the head tilted to one side

Yes, this is the most obvious symptom, but it’s still worth mentioning! If your cat is walking with her head tilted to one side, it’s a good idea to have her checked out by a veterinarian.

2. Falling over or appearing unsteady

If your cat is walking sideways and falling over frequently, it’s a sign that something is wrong. This could be due to an inner ear infection, vestibular disease, or another neurological disorder.

3. Scratching at the ears or shaking the head

If your cat is scratching at her ears or shaking her head excessively, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections are common in cats and can often be treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

4. Vomiting or loss of appetite

Vomiting and loss of appetite are both common symptoms of illness in cats. If your cat is walking sideways and exhibiting these signs, it’s important to have her checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

5. Dizziness or confusion

Dizziness and confusion can also be signs of an underlying medical condition. If your cat is displaying these symptoms alongside head tilt, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away.

What Expert Vet Says about Cat Sideways Walk

I talked to an expert veterinarian about this peculiar cat behavior, and she had this to say:

“There can be a few different reasons why a cat might walk sideways. It could be due to pain from surgery, an inner ear infection, or vestibular disease. If your cat is exhibiting other symptoms like vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s important to have her checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.”

So, there you have it! If your cat is walking sideways, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms she may be experiencing. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

My Experience with Cat Sideways Walk

A few months ago, my cat underwent surgery to remove a mass from her abdomen. After the surgery, she was a little disoriented and walked sideways for a few days. I wasn’t too worried, since I knew it was normal for cats to experience some side effects from the anesthesia.

However, after a few days, she started vomiting and refused to eat. I knew something wasn’t right, so I took her to the vet. It turned out she had an inner ear infection and was also dehydrated. With some medication and TLC, she made a full recovery and is now back to her normal self!

If your cat is walking sideways, pay attention to other symptoms she may be experiencing. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.