I love belly rubs, but most cats don’t. In fact, people like to joke that a cat’s belly is a trap because when they try to touch it, they get the infamous four footed attack.
Most people understand, at least intellectually, that this is an automatic response to a cat’s most vulnerable area being touched. But what’s really going on here? Why do cats really hate belly rubs? The truth is, a cat’s belly and their reactions to it being touched, are more complicated than you think.
Why belly rubs are an issue for cats
The cat belly is a very vulnerable area of their body. Some of their most vital organs – their liver, stomach and intestines — are protected by a mere flimsy flap of skin and fat called the primordial pouch. And the fur that covers this pouch is made up of hypersensitive hair follicles. (In case you are wondering, the same goes for the fur at the base of their tail — it’s also hypersensitive.)
So the belly is both extremely vulnerable and extremely sensitive. No wonder most cats don’t want it touched. Even the softest touch may be too much for some cats.
So why does a cat expose their belly?
When a cat exposes their belly, it’s not about you. It’s not an invitation for touch at all. It’s a way to relax and get in a good stretch. If they are doing it in a sun beam, it’s also a great way to regulate their temperature.
When a cat exposes their belly, it shows that they are comfortable in their surroundings. They are having a happy, private moment. Going up and touching them disturbs that moment. So of course they act out!
What if a cat clearly expects attention from you?
Sometimes a cat rolls over and shows their belly to a human, but it’s rarely because they want a rub. It’s a sign of trust and proves how comfortable they are around you. The fact that the peach kitty, who was raised feral, does this around my human is really a pretty big deal. And of course she never tries to touch his belly.
Sometimes a cat rolls on their back because they are feeling playful. If you think this may be the case, wave an interactive toy nearby. They may take you up on some playtime. If not, no harm! Especially to your hand.
Why do some cats like belly rubs?
A lot of it has to do with personal preference and socialization. If a cat is handled respectfully by humans from a very early age, and if they have an easy going personality, they may wind up liking belly rubs. That explains why I like them.
It’s also a sensory thing. While it may be overstimulating for some cats, others may have a higher tolerance for that type of sensation.
And of course a lot of it has to do with trust too. A cat that allows belly rubs is a very trusting soul. If one accepts belly rubs, but only from you, that says a lot about your relationship with the cat.
Can I get my cat to enjoy belly rubs?
You can try! But it’s a process, just like any other behavior that may not come naturally to a cat.
Start when your cat is very relaxed. Stroke the very safe areas, like their cheeks and chin. If they are purring and enjoying it, try stroking a little lower — their shoulders, or the side of their body.
Don’t try to reach for their belly in one session. every step of the way, make sure they are comfortable, relaxed and purring. After a few times, brush your hands lightly over the fur on their belly and see how they react. If they stop purring, stiffen up, or twitch, you need to back off for now.
Repeated attempts may earn you a belly rub. Or you may never get there. Some cats just aren’t comfortable with it. To be honest, you are better off just appreciating your cat for who they are, and give them the kind of touches they enjoy most.
I hope you learned a new thing or two! Let me know in the comments below.
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