Tip of the Week: Ah, There’s The Rub
When our furry feline friends flip over to show us their adorable bellies, many of us make the assumption that they’re looking for a tickle or a rub…and end up with scratch or bite wounds as a result!
While there are some cats who do enjoy a friendly belly rub, there are probably at least as many who are rolling over in an effort to communicate that they’re not interested in affection at all. A cat may be rolling over to show you the weapons he has at the ends of those velvety paws. And he may follow up with his teeth if you don’t heed his initial warning.
Next time you’re thinking you have a belly-rub inclined kitty on your hands, look first at the other body language the kitty might be sharing–such as a swishing tail, pinned-back ears, dilated (round) pupils, whiskers pulled back or extending forward. These can all be signs that this particular kitty isn’t in the mood for attention at the moment. He may be trying to tell you he is feeling overly excited/stimulated, fearful or aggressive.
If a cat is trying to tell you to back off, simply remove yourself and find another way to show your affection. Try giving the kitty some quiet time to calm down, provide him with an appropriate wand toy to chase, or give him a bit more time to acclimate.
P.S. For a less, ahem, scientific version of this, check The Oatmeal’s “How to pet a kitty” post.
Have your adopters asked you about this tricky feline communication? Belly up to the comments box and share your experiences with us.
Meet us here every Monday for tips we’ve gleaned and seen that may make your life a little easier, make a routine process go a little faster or deliver some extra comfort for the animals in your care.
Related links:
Canine Communications Webinar Series
Recognizing Feline Body Postures
Meet Your Match: About Feline-ality
“What Did He Just Say?”
Photo: Marie Stordahl
Tags: Behavior & Enrichment, Saving Lives, Tip of the Week, Tips
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Molly Says:
My herding dog desperately wants to play with one of my cats. The cat, however, will have none of it. She’ll crouch, hiss, then roll over on to her back to express her opposition to the idea. I’d never noticed a display like this from a cat before. Thanks for this interesting (and timely!)article.
Chris Dodge Says:
I have a cat who DEMANDS a belly rub at least twice a day. If he doesn’t get it, he sits and stares at me until I pick him up, lay him down over my lap and extended legs and rub, rub, rub his belly, chest, neck and face. He stretches out to his full length and purrs like you wouldn’t believe. Most of my yellow males like their bellies rubbed – I find that a little strange. Some of our others (we have 16) also like it, but not as much as the yellow guys. Anyone have any idea why they’re so addicted to it?
Nancy Says:
Wow, I wish I had read this much sooner. I am a dog person but have often been called upon to watch friends and family members cats. This has happened to me numerous times. It always reinforced with me why I wasn’t a cat person because they seem too unpredictable. Now I know the cats were warning me but I just misunderstood it. Thanks for the info.
Pat Says:
One of my “girls” is a flopper. She seems to do it as a greeting, most often when I come home or enter a room. She allows a brief belly rub but doesn’t seem to enjoy it all that much. I think she just does it to make me happy. My other one loves to have her feet rubbed especially between the pads. Odd little creatures they are.
Carla Says:
My cats love their bellys rubbed! They start purring really loud and rubbing their face all over me. My cats have a really sweet disposition though.
Nick Says:
I have a fully-declawed (Got her that way from the animal shelter) Maine Coon that, the majority of the time, also greets me this way. She’ll be at the door, walk about 7 steps, then flop over and roll onto her back.
She seems perfectly calm, no pinned-back hears, pupils normal. But she has a small threshold for belly rubbing. After maybe 15 seconds of gentle rubbing, she has a very cute habit of grabbing my hand in her front paws, then lightly kicking the hand with alternating back feet for a moment.
Adam L. Says:
Ha, I LOVE The Oatmeal! Nice!