A cat crouching generally means some kind of discomfort—fear, aggression, or even pain. The rest of their body language and the context of the behavior give us hints as to what your cat is feeling. For example, a cat crouched with her ears flat and her head low while hiding in the corner is being defensive. She probably feels trapped and wants you to back away. A cat who crouches does not necessarily require a trip to the veterinarian but may benefit from some changes to her environment such as places to hide or moving food somewhere quieter.
What To Look Out For
Crouching cats have their bodies tucked and their tail wrapped around them. This differs from a relaxed cat who may have her tail out long or splay her body out (for easier petting). Details about her body language including her facial expression and ear position are important for understanding why your cat is crouching. If you notice your cat is crouching, start by asking yourself some questions about the behavior. Answering these questions can help you figure out why your cat is crouching and what you can do about it.
Aggression
Cats may take a crouching posture when they feel antagonized. Along with her crouched body, her tail is wrapped around her, her ears are flat, and her eyes are fixed on you. The cat is saying “back off or else.”
Pain or Discomfort
This can be the most difficult kind of crouching to interpret because it depends what hurts. Her facial expression may vary depending on how much pain she is in. A cat with abdominal (stomach area) pain may crouch, walk very slowly while staying low to the ground, and not go very far between breaks. A cat with muscle or joint pay may move from her crouched position very slowly and be very careful and deliberate about placing her feet to walk. A cat in pain should always be seen by a veterinarian.
