Cross Breeds

Why do cats stretch out their hind leg when they approach me?

There are several cats in our household. I've just recently noticed that several of our cats stretch one of their hind legs (primarily the left leg) out behind them when they approach a human and sometimes other cats. Is this some form of greeting? Submission? I can't find anything about this when I search online.

Public Comments

1. it's not any type of stretch is it? maybe their left legs are longer than their right =]
2. probably just stretching. doesn't mean anything.
3. I think that's the way they stretch. My cats always do that right after they wake up from a nap.
4. Mine does it too. I think it is quite funny. I think it is when she has been sitting down for a while and comes to greet me.
5. I have three cats and they do that when they just woke up from a nap or were laying in the same position for a while. They are probably just stretching out their muscle in the leg like us humans when we wake up or sit in the same position for hours.
6. Yes, part of it is "just stretching," but it's definitely a bit of communication as well, alerting you to your cat's state of mind and energy level. Obviously, you aren't being approached to be bitten or engaged in intense play--relaxed, calm kitty is coming over to re-make your acquaintance!