I have two cats and they both do this, but one in particular seems to enjoy doing it a lot more. She is constantly rolling around on her back and many times will end up napping on her back. It just seems so odd to see a cat do that. Do they do that just cause they like their back to be rubbed or is there another reason for it?
Thanks.
2007-02-13 17:44:34 · 28 answers · asked by haiku_katie 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have this cat fancy book called, 'Why do cats do that?' and it says that when a cat rolls on its back that it is usually indicating that it trusts you. It also says that other reasons are either becuase they want to play, a form of foreplay, or can sometimes be from alot of catnip. I hope this helps.
2007-02-13 18:00:07 · answer #1 · answered by PsychicPirateHobbit 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Cat Rolling Around
2016-11-07 09:07:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a study that was done to show that a cat's sleeping posture reflects the temperature of his body. A cold cat will curl up into a perfect ball. A hot cat will stretch until he looks like a cheetah in a full sprint.. And every sleeping position in the middle reflects the range of temperatures in between. Some cats roll right onto their backs because it helps to cool them.
Secondly, this is a submissive posture. Cats that have lost a fight roll on their backs. That explains why male cats generally do not like being rolled onto their backs or have their tummies scratched.
Thirdly, your cat is obviously very comfortable in your home environment so she's perfectly happy sleeping on her back. A cat would never sleep on his back in a house with toddlers or rowdy kids because he needs to know he can get onto his feet and scamper off in a split second.
2007-02-13 18:04:39 · answer #3 · answered by aken 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They do it because they are playing. It feels good and they want your attention. It also means they are comfortable with you touching their bellies, which is a very big deal. A cat will not allow just anyone to touch their stomach, but if they trust you, they will roll over and allow you to rub them. It sounds like one of your cats is more trusting for some reason than the other, or just more playful.
2007-02-18 16:01:33 · answer #4 · answered by Rhode Island Red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats do it for a lot of reasons. Scratching is one, Stretching is another but mainly it is because it feels good. When you lay down do you only lay on your back or do you lay on your belly sometimes? Most cats do not lay on their backs because in that position their belly is exposed. The belly is the most vulnerable spot on a cat and it is natural for them to not want to expose it. Cats do not easily trust and exposing such a vulnerable spot puts them at risk. If your cats do this (especially sleep like this) then you must be doing something right. They trust you and know that you will not hurt them. I had a cat that would only sleep like that around me. The minute my husband walked into the room he would roll over onto his belly as soon as my husband left he was on his back again. I think you have very happy cats who trust and love you. Good Job!
2007-02-17 14:48:26 · answer #5 · answered by Cheryl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is just fine. They learn self-pleasuring techniques like rubbing and stretching and rolling around on their backs. If your cat does it while you are near, it's a submissive behavior which lets you know you are the master/owner and may want a belly rub.
2007-02-19 14:57:31 · answer #6 · answered by annazzz1966 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do know that cats have scent glands on the sides of their face, which is why they rub against your leg with their face and then their whole body - to mark you as 'theirs'. Maybe the rolling on the back thing has something to do with that also...? I've seen cats do that and they use the sides of their faces on the floor before they twist all the way onto their back.
2007-02-13 17:52:11 · answer #7 · answered by Cedar_2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think aken's answer was very informative and correct. We have 4 inside cats and 1 inside foster cat and 3 outside cats that the whole block feeds, provides shelter for and we all split their vet bills. Our inside cats tend to sleep all sprawled out. In the winter,when the outside cats sleep here and not the neighbors, they sleep together all curled up in their insulated igloo dog house we got for them, all nestled in the blanket. I think that is bc of the body temp thing. Also, I have noticed that with all the cats we have ever had or fostered it takes them awhile to trust you enough to show you their belly. All 3 of our male cats love nothing more than to be held in my arms like a baby, belly up, and have me pet their belly and face.
2007-02-19 14:12:34 · answer #8 · answered by Brandi A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat will plop, and roll over on her back, right in front of me when I get home. If she's sleeping and I pet her, she rolls over on her back. I think they just want their bellies scratched or it's their way of saying that they love you. At first, I thought it was weird, but now it's just a part of my ragdoll's personality. I wouldn't about it and just rub their belly.
2007-02-18 07:55:24 · answer #9 · answered by Karina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awww, your cats must really trust you! I think it's a comfortable position for them too. Most cats I've had have done this. Some liked their bellies scratched and some would get offended by it.
2007-02-13 21:41:17 · answer #10 · answered by HobbesMom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋