August 05, 2023
Cats communicate in all sorts of ways. If your cat has shown you their belly, you might be wondering what this secret signal means. After all, they look like they’re asking for a belly rub, but often become defensive and scratch anybody who tries it. So, what are cats trying to say when they roll over and show their bellies?
Why Do Cats Show Their Belly to Us?
A cat’s warm, soft, fluffy belly area is not a part of the body many people get to see. It’s a vulnerable area, filled with many vital organs, so cats instinctively cover it to protect themselves. In fact, it’s thought that domestic cats only show their bellies to people they trust. It’s like saying, “Look, I trust you so much I’m going to show you my belly because I know you aren’t a threat.” Which is pretty cute, right?
There are a couple of other reasons that your cat might be belly up. One is that they would like a tummy rub. (Many cats don’t like this, but there are always exceptions, and your cat may be one of them.) Another possible reason is your cat is asking for something. They may have learned that you always pay them attention or give them a treat when they offer their tummy, so now they’ll do it to ask for attention or a treat.
Do Cats Like Having Their Bellies Rubbed?
When a cat rolls onto their back, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable and safe.
On the whole, most cats hate having their bellies rubbed. The underbelly is a soft, vulnerable spot so having it touched is often scary or stressful for cats. Though dogs enjoy a good rub or scratch on the belly, your feline friend is naturally more wary and is less likely to think that belly rubs are a good idea. Having said that, some cats enjoy any sort of attention they can get, and that includes belly rubs.
If you think your cat might be one of the latter, and they’ve exposed their fluffy belly, you can try stroking their side and watching their body language. If they remain relaxed, slowly move toward the belly. Keep a close eye though—cats can suddenly change their mind and jump into defensive mode, resulting in a bite or scratch to anybody that dares to pet their belly.
What Should I Do if My Cat Shows His Belly?
If your cat shows his belly, he’s saying “I trust you not to hurt me.” This means that rubbing his belly, which many cats hate and find scary, is the worst thing you can do unless you are 100% sure your cat enjoys it.
Instead, you should pay your cat some positive attention to show you’ve understood his attempts to communicate. Calling him over to you for a pet or getting him a treat is a good way to say “I love that you trust me.”
How Do You Tell if a Cat Really Likes You?
Don’t be fooled by cats’ sometimes aloof behavior—most of them love their favorite people.
Cats are finicky creatures and they can be choosy over their humans. But there are some bits of a cat’s body language that cat owners know means they love you. A cat really likes you if they choose to spend time with you, fall asleep near you, or show you their belly.
Purring and rubbing their cheeks (and the associated scent glands) on you is also a sign of affection as this is how cats mark you as their territory and part of their family—aww!
The “Cat Tummy Trap” Summed Up
Cats often show their bellies to people they trust, but it’s not an invitation to give them a tummy tickle or belly rub! While they may try to put up with it for a while out of respect for you, many cats will eventually snap, leaving you with injuries. Instead, give your cat a treat or call them over for a cuddle on their terms.
Also Read: 6 Subtle Signs Your Cat Loves You
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cats lay on their back and expose their belly?
It’s thought that cats lay on their back and expose their belly as a show of trust. The abdomen contains lots of organs and is unprotected when a cat is on their back, so when they expose their bellies they’re showing that they trust you not to hurt them. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a request for you to pet them—most cats hate belly rubs!
Why do cats show their belly to other cats?
Just as with people, cats can show their belly to other cats as a sign of trust. Showing the belly can also be a play cue, as if they’re saying, "Look, I’m on my back, see if you can catch me!" Female cats can also show their belly as part of a mating ritual—you’ll know if this is the case as they’ll be calling, which is a very loud, wailing meow.
Do cats trust you if they show their belly?
Yes, it’s thought that showing the belly is a sign of trust in cats. In some cats it can also mean they want a belly rub or attention, but it depends on the cat. Most cats hate belly rubs, so don’t make a move unless you’re 100% sure it’s what they want.
Why does my cat show me his belly when he sees me?
It’s likely that your cat is showing you his belly because he trusts you. However, cats are fast learners and if you always reward a cat lying on their back with a treat, it’s likely your cat will start lying on his back in the hope of a reward.
