It’s a way for cats to show other cats, or humans, that they’re interested in having fun, similar to the play bow behavior you may already be familiar with in dogs.
Arching their back and puffing up all their fur makes cats look larger. Facing a potential threat from the side also helps make cats look bigger than they are.
The arched back and sideways run practical and instinctual as a fear response, so almost every cat may take this position when they’re startled and threatened.
A couple of conditions could cause an unusual walk: • Feline Vestibular Disese • Cerebella Hyperplasia • Feline Diabetes • Coordinated vs. Uncoordinated Movements