Silly Stretch Takes Over Catster's Weekly Photo Contest

Cats are not known for doing anything halfway, and that includes stretching. This week's Catster photo contest, themed "Silly Stretch," drew in reader snapshots of felines caught in their most elongated, wobbly and questionable poses.

The contest, which runs every week, asks readers to send in photos of their own cats around a set theme. The editorial team then sorts through the entries and picks the winners. The results for the week of August 31, 2026 are now live on the site, where you can scroll through the full gallery of winning cats.

A good stretch photo works because it catches a cat at the exact moment of full commitment. Front paws reaching out, back end in the air, toes splayed, mouth wide in a yawn. It looks funny to us, but the stretch itself has a purpose.

Veterinarians note that cats stretch after waking to loosen muscles and get blood flowing after long stretches of rest, which for many house cats can total well over half the day. A relaxed, full-body stretch is generally a sign of a comfortable, secure animal.

That said, stretching can also be worth watching. If your cat seems stiff, avoids stretching, cries out while doing it, or has trouble getting up from a nap, it may point to joint pain or arthritis, which is common in older cats. Any sudden change in how your cat moves is a good reason to check in with your vet.

For most cats, though, the silly stretch is just part of the daily routine, and a great excuse to keep your phone camera handy. Catster invites readers to keep submitting photos for future weekly themes. The best shots are often the unplanned ones, so it pays to be ready next time your cat decides to unfold itself like an accordion on the couch.