In an extraordinary video from TikTok we see a cute domestic cat that looks purebred (Brit SH?) practicing walking handstands as if they were human gymnasts. It is amazing. He pulls himself up just like a gymnast. Is there a plausible and practical reason for this form of feline behaviour? I have seen it before in dogs and monkeys (massively impressive in monkeys). The most relevant is walking handstands by domestic dogs.
I have a video on that, also from TiKTok, which you can see by clicking on the link below the video. In my opinion the reason for, exceptionally rarely cats and less rarely dogs engaging in this behaviour (the dog’s version is much more impressive) is to spray urine from a high point to ensure that it is more noticeable by others on their territory.
This points to an animal that is perhaps stressed and who feels the necessity to do all they can to get the message across that this is their home range and please piss off! 😉 – pardon the pun.
Reason why little dogs urine scent mark while performing walking handstands
The walking handstand while peeing phenomenon is not very rare for dogs. You’ll see it a lot on the internet. For cats it is a different matter. This is the only time that I have seen it. But it is about delivering sprayed urine at a height to maximize its effectiveness.
The cat in the video is not spraying urine but I believe they are practicing the handstand so that they can do it when suitable. I don’t see any other plausible reason and it fits in nicely with dog behaviour. Or perhaps the live with a dog in a multi-pet home and the cat is copying the dog. Cats are incredibly good at learning by observation.
Perhaps it is more frequent in dogs because the size difference is enormous in dog breeds while most domestic cats are pretty much the same size barring the enormous Maine Coons we occasionally see.
Small dogs feel a need to compete with the bigger ones in order to lay claim to their home range.
Below are some pages on cat behaviour.
Mike my Momma died today. She was 91 years old. Sept 8 1931 – Nov 30 2022. I’ll be glad to see the back side of 2022 because my big brother died in February. I am now a orphan. You can delete this after you read it if you want.
Your Friend,
Tamara
OMG. I am very sad to hear the news. My condolences. Please be safe and strong. She lived a long life. And your brother dying recently too. I feel bad. When we get older, we have to live through the passing of our loved ones if we have long lives. It is so very hard sometimes. Take care Tamara.