Arching a cat's back is not always a sign of fear.
We'll tell you in what other cases cats adopt this pose.
The most common reason why cats arch their backs is fear.
By arching its back and fluffing up its fur, the cat tries to look larger and more menacing.
A cat can also arch its back during play, from pleasure when being stroked, or simply to stretch its legs.
Sometimes arching the back is a sign that the animal is in pain.
If there are other symptoms (withdrawal, excessive licking, aggression), it is worth contacting a veterinarian.