The cats that we see around us tend to show different behaviors all the time. Sometimes you can see them purring with their mouths wide open, while the other time, you see them meowing loudly. Sometimes they are also found hiding under the blankets or pillows. But you might wonder why your cat is not sitting down all the way.
There might be some common reasons why your cat is not sitting down all the way. It might include arthritis, constipation, stress, or any kind of injury. The main thing is to find out the primary cause for which your cat is not sitting down all the way.
Why won’t a cat sit down all the way?
It is very typical to worry if your cat is found in some abnormal position like they are not sitting down correctly or all the way. At this time, it is best to consult with a vet. It is essential to assess the problem that is causing distress to your cat. Some of the primary reasons are listed below.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis or joint pain can be one of the major causes your cat is not sitting down all the way. As the cats grow in age, the cartilages between their bones begin to deteriorate, and the joints and muscles lose flexibility.
Therefore, your cat might face difficulty sitting down or jumping because they experience severe chronic pains between their joints. Degenerative joint disease or arthritis might affect the elbows, knees, hocks, hips, shoulder, and lower back portions in human beings.
But it is pretty exciting that even young cats might develop arthritis due to infection or trauma. Below are some signs indicating that your cat has developed arthritis.
- Problems in going up and down the staircase.
- Less playful and active.
- Inability to jump up or down.
- Inability to groom a painful area.
- Clingy, withdrawn and always hiding.
- Not using the litter box.
- Getting aggressive towards other cats or when touched.
2. Injuries
Cats sometimes experience ligament damage or fracture when they fall from heights or fight with other cats. If you feel that your cat is facing some problems due to some fights with other cats and cannot sit down all the way, you should assess the problems very soon. Make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself when you feel that your cat has become too aggressive.
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3. Constipation problem
Your pet cat might also have a constipation problem due to which she is not sitting down all the way. Constipation problems create pains around the rectum area and prevent the cats from sitting down all the way.
This can happen when your pet cat has not passed stools for some days or more.
Other symptoms of constipation might include occasional lack of appetite, hard and dry stool, or a tense abdomen. You might see them facing difficulties if you see your cat sitting in a hunched posture.
Some common causes of constipation might include.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Hair ingestion.
- Not enough or too much fiber in the diet.
- A tumor near the pelvic portion.
- Nerve problems.
- Side effects of medication.
4. Allergy
Your pet cat might have developed allergies, and their bodies have become too sensitive even though they will not spread to other pets.
If the cats develop allergies inside them, they might sneeze and cough too much, and their bodies might become swollen. Due to this reason, your cat might not sit down all the way because their back portion is swollen along with other parts of the body.
The other symptoms and signs of allergies inside the body might include:
- Increased scratching due to itchy skin.
- Runny and itchy eyes.
- Itchy ears.
- The itchy base of the tail and back.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Swollen and chewing paws.
- Snoring too much due to an inflamed throat.
There are some reasons for the cause of allergy inside the body.
- Different types of food.
- Flea control products and fleas.
- Mildew, mold, or dust pollen.
- Cleaning products and perfumes.
- Cigarette smoke.
- Plastic and rubber materials.
- Prescription drugs.
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5. Stress
Your pet cat might become anxious or stressed due to sudden changes in the natural environment or if they are removed away from their companion animals.
If you are shifting to a new house or a new addition to your pet family, it might put more stress on your pet cat.
The pet cats show different signs if they are too stressed. It includes dilated pupils, rapid grooming, an altered sitting posture which might include your cat not sitting all the way.
The signs that show that your cat is stressed are:
- Inappropriate scratching.
- Excess clinginess or hiding.
- Reduced appetite.
How to make your cat sit down?
If you feel or suspect that your cat is not sitting down all the way due to an arthritis problem, you should take them to the veterinary doctor immediately.
The doctor might take radiographs, perform tests on your pet cat and take a physical exam. The treatment options also include prescribing accurate medicines, nutritional supplement products to strengthen the cartilage, and weight loss methods for your overweight pet cat.
If it is an injury that does not let your cat sit all the way down, you should take them to the vet at least once. Your vet might perform the required examinations and go for surgery if they feel it is necessary.
On the other hand, if it is constipation that is not allowing your pet to sit down all the way, there are some home remedies you can follow to get your pet cured. These remedies include the following:
- Encourage your pet cat to become more active by engaging them in interactive playing sessions.
- Increasing hydration by allowing them to drink more water.
- Increased fiber intake through diets.
If your cat is facing problems due to allergic reactions inside its body, the vet is the best person who can resolve the issue. The vet might do a proper blood test and provide an elimination diet to determine the cause of an allergic problem.
And lastly, if you feel that your pet cat cannot sit down all the way due to stress, you should cuddle them more and engage them in increased playtime.
Play soothing music to eliminate all sorts of noise at your home so that your cat feels relaxed and calm. You can also provide them cat perches or scratching posts to regain their lost composure.
These are some of the remedies that you can follow so that your pet cat can be free from all sorts of problems and can sit all the way long. You can follow them to get the best results in a quick time.
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Final Words
The causes that might now allow your cat to sit all the way long might be due to constipation, allergy, stress, arthritis, or any other forms of injuries.
Whatever the cause may be, it is essential to be sensitive and observe their behaviors and assess the problems of your pet cat so that they can also lead a happy life and enjoy themselves. Accurate assessment of your cat’s problems and proper consultation with the vet will also allow them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.