Why Do Cats Roll Around on Their Backs? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons (With Infographic)
Cats are peculiar creatures and usually march to the beat of their own drum. Unlike dogs, cats can be particular, especially regarding their bellies. When a dog rolls over on their back and exposes their belly, the dog likely wants you to rub it. Cats, however, are different. There are a few reasons why cats roll around on their backs, so stick around to find out why cats engage in this behavior.
The 7 Reasons That Cats Roll Around on Their Backs
1. To Get Attention
Think about it, when your cat rolls on their back, you likely immediately say “Awww!” and then give them a pet. Rolling on their back can be your cat’s way of getting your attention. They may do it more often around meal times or when you just get home. They may also choose to roll on their back right in your path or outside of the bathroom door so that you’re sure not to miss it and then give them what they want.
2. Your Cat Trusts You
A cat’s belly is vulnerable and sensitive, and exposing it in the wild puts many vital organs in potential danger. So, showing such a vulnerable area to you shows ultimate trust. Allowing you to touch it further demonstrates their trust and respect for you. However, most cats still have boundaries, even with their owners, and while they may allow you to touch their belly, they may not allow you to rub it due to hypersensitivity of the hairs.
3. Invitation to Play
When a cat rolls onto their back, they’re sending signals, and one such signal could be an invitation to play. Your cat may extend such an invitation when they are relaxed, secure, and content with you or whomever they’re trying to interact with. Humans aren’t the only ones a cat may be comfortable with. If you have other pets in the home, and your cat rolls onto their back, it could mean they trust the other pet and want to play.
4. A Sign of Submission
If you have other pets in the home and one cat rolls onto their back in their presence, it could mean they’re showing a sign of submission. Doing so tells the other cat that they don’t want to be a threat and that they know their position in the social hierarchy. Cats also show submission by lowering the tail, lowering their body to the ground, and avoiding eye contact.
5. To Scratch an Itch
It’s uncomfortable to have an itch in a place that’s hard to reach. For a cat, if an itch arises on the back, they may roll onto the back in an effort to relieve the itch. After all, a cat cannot reach around and scratch the itch with their paws. Carpet on some other similar material is the perfect cat scratcher, but your cat may do this on any surface. Instead, they may try to enlist the help of carpet or another similar material.
If you notice your cat rolls around like this regularly, it’s a good idea to check for fleas or skin irritation. Some cats have allergies, and you may need to call a vet to rule out medical issues.
6. Stretching the Muscles
There’s nothing like a good ole stretch, and it’s not unusual to see a cat roll onto the back to stretch the muscles, especially after a nice snooze. Rolling onto the back allows a cat to stretch the back, front and back legs, and neck. It’s best to let your cat be if you feel they’re stretching; otherwise, they may not be keen on the idea and show you their displeasure in the form of scratching or biting.
7. A Sign of Heat
Do you have a female cat that hasn’t been spayed? If you’ve noticed your female rolling onto her back, she may be displaying signals to male cats that she is ready to mate. Intact females use pheromones, or “chemical messages” that they spread around, which are located on the head, back, tail, and paw pads. Males can smell these pheromones from miles away; however, humans cannot.
Conclusion
Cats roll around on their backs for a few reasons, and it can be a sign of comfort, trust, playfulness or submission, or it could be that they’re stretching or scratching an itchy back. If your cat rolls onto their back, exposing their belly to you, proceed with caution. It’s best to stick to the usually allowed spots your cats let you rub before going straight for the belly, as a belly rub isn’t likely what they’re asking for, and you could be met with a bite or a scratch instead.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Magdanatka, Shutterstock
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Rachel Giordano is a Pensacola, Florida-based musician and writer. She lives with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about all types of cat breeds. When she’s not writing about cats, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys sharing her knowledge of the needs and requirements of our furry friends.
