Why Do Cats Show Their Bellies, Then Get Mad When You Pet Them?
Most cat owners have experienced what we call the "Tummy Rub Trap": When your cat rolls over onto their back and shows their soft, fluffy bellies as if offering an invitation for pets, but when you do - you get swatted or scratched.
So, what's the deal? Why do some cats show us their bellies only to get upset when we actually pet them?
It's all instinct.
A cat's typical response when its belly is touched is to go into defensive mode - they swat or scratch and may even gently bite. Your cat's not being mean, it's simply a natural reflex of protection. This stems from their natural instincts as both predators and prey.
Cats are excellent predators - some of nature's most efficient hunters, in fact, with feral cats having a hunting success rate of 70% in open terrain (lions have less than 30%). But domestic cats are also small enough to be prey - and they know it! As prey, cats know that their belly is one of their most vulnerable areas - exposing it gives potential predators access to their vital organs.
So if your cat attacks you when you pet their belly, you're likely just triggering their natural protection reflex.
A sign of trust.
When a cat lies on its back and shows you its belly, the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn't feel threatened. It feels safe enough to expose its vulnerable areas without worrying about being attacked. A kitty belly is not necessarily an open invitation for tummy rubs - your cat is basically saying, "I feel safe around you. I know you won't attack me."
Cats, like humans, are unique individuals. Some cats might enjoy belly rubs. Others will tolerate a pat or two. And other cats, who might have anxiety, hate belly rubs! It all depends on your individual cat, and as a responsible pet owner, respecting their boundaries and sensitivities.
Hypersensitivity.
Another reason for springing the Tummy Rub Trap? The hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, according to Lena Provoost, an animal behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. So petting a cat on the belly (or tail area) can be overstimulating for our feline friends, and cause them irritation. This is why some cats might allow a pat or two on their bellies - but try for a third? No, thanks!
“Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks where they have scent glands," Provoost told National Geographic.
When it comes down to it - pay attention to what your cat likes and doesn't like. Cats all have their individual preferences and wants - and they're certainly not shy about showing us! I've got more than a few scratches that can attest to that!
My Calibelle will show me her tummy 86 times in a 24 hour period, and not one of them is an invitation for a tummy rub. We have a very loving, trusting relationship. Clearly, or she wouldn’t sleep belly-up next to me for two hours while I read a book. She’s definitely the boss of her fur, though. I know her boundaries, and unless there’s some reason having to do with what’s best for her health and safety, I don’t do anything I already know she isn’t into.
Frances down there isn’t “better at catting” than anyone here. She (?) was just fortunate enough to meet a cat who didn’t mind having her belly touched. A wonderful, rare and lucky thing.
Our cat has a cat friend (I think, but I’m not sure) that comes to our house and leads outside our front door that is solid glass from top to bottom and seems to like our cat but I am afraid to let our cat outside to visit with her because we have no idea what she might do because she is just a neighbor hood cat that really doesn’t have a so-called home. What do I do because I don’t want our cat outside and they’re suddenly there is an attack between the two of them it would break our heart if something happened. What do I do? Do I let them just visit each other in between the glass of our door? I hope you have an answer for us.
Dublin, my cat, loves belly rubs. Of course they have to be given in a certain mood, & I’ve learned when I can or cannot give him belly rubs. They also have to be gentle strokes, right when he’s in the calmest of moods. Since he’s a really calm cat, this is most of the time. I’m thankful to have a calm cat who loves belly rubs – by me – & lap time. ❤️😻🤗❤️
Dublin, my cat, loves belly rubs. Of course they have to be given in a certain mood, & I’ve learned when I can or cannot give him belly rubs. They also have to be gentle strokes, right when he’s in the calmest of moods. Since he’s a really calm cat, this is most of the time. I’m thankful to have a calm cat who loves belly rubs – by me – & lap time. ❤️😻🤗❤️
My now 16 yr old female cat loves it when I pounce and bury my face in her soft underbelly and blow warm breath onto her tummy! It’s a bit of an adrenalin rush as there’s always the outside chance she’ll rip my ears off… who needs wingsuit base jumping when one has this high-risk activity from the comfort of one’s own sofa! But the purrs and chirps are worth it. She’s a vocal, chatty lass.
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