Although cats have lived with humans for millennia, they still do many things that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. One behavior that can surprise or shock new cat owners is a cat’s tendency to show their butt when they start to feel comfortable around them.
While this behavior may be strange to us, it’s quite normal in cats. We can only guess why they do this based on what we already know about feline behavior. Here are six possible reasons your cat may show you their butt.
The 6 Reasons Why Cats Show You Their Butt
1. Greeting
Similar to dogs, cats can show each other their butts when they’re greeting each other. They have glands near their butt that contain scent information. Cats also tend to have their tails pointing straight up to show that they’re friendly. A relaxed loose body with attentive ears is the body language of a cat giving a greeting.
2. Affection
While it may not be the most desirable action, cats can show their butt as a sign of affection. Cats often show affection to each other by rubbing their bodies against each other. They start with their head and end with their tail. Your cat will also rub against you if they like you. Since they start from head to tail, you’ll usually end up with their butt facing you.
3. Nonthreatening Behavior
Another reason why cats will show their butts is to communicate that they’re not a threat. They’re letting you know that they mean no harm and have no intention of attacking you.
In contrast, agitated or aggressive cats won’t turn their backs towards you. They’ll have a stiff posture, and their hair will be raised to make themselves look bigger. Some cats may crouch and flatten their ears. Cats can also vocalize their agitation by growling or yowling.
4. Trust
Cats are observant and watchful. They won’t turn their backs on people they’re wary of or don’t trust. Therefore, if your cat has their butt facing you while they’re lounging or sleeping, it’s a sign that they really trust you.
Cats often show other signs that they trust you, but you won’t really catch them unless you understand cat behavior. Some other strange but normal ways that cats show trust are if they start to follow you around everywhere, expose their bellies, or headbutt you.
5. Wanting Attention
Cats are experts at knowing how to get our attention. Most cats like a good scratch above the tail so this could be what your cat is after when they show their butt. Alsoo, if you give a particularly strong response whenever your cat shows you their butt, they’ll learn that it’s an effective way to get your attention. Laughing, showing surprise, or even showing disgust are all ways you may be reinforcing this behavior. Therefore, if you want to see a decrease in this behavior, it’s best not to make a big deal out of it or reward with a scratch.
6. Females in Heat
Female cats that are in heat may raise their butts to attract a mate. They can also flick their tails to signal to male cats that they’re ready to mate. Other signs that a female cat is in heat are increased loud vocalizations, rolling around the floor, and showing increased affection.
Cats that are ready to mate are more susceptible to roaming. Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and ensure all doors and windows are shut securely to prevent them from leaving their home.
Is It Okay if My Cat Shows Her Butt?
For the most part, your cat will be engaging in normal behavior if they show you their butt. Exposing their rear end isn’t really a sign or symptom of a medical issue. However, if you’re worried the best course of action is to discuss the behavior with a vet.
Since showing their butt is often a sign of affection and trust, you don’t really have to be concerned. However, if it’s becoming too much, you can do some things to train your cat to engage in this behavior less frequently. For example, it’s important to minimize your reaction so that your cat starts to learn that this behavior doesn’t garner your attention. You can also redirect them to doing something else whenever they start to expose their rear end or sit on you. Some ways you can redirect them are to walk away or distract them with a toy.
Final Thoughts
When a cat shows you their butt, they’re usually letting you know that they like and trust you. They may also do this when they want to receive attention. In most cases, cats won’t show their butt so frequently that it becomes bothersome, and it’s something that cat owners get used to eventually. However, if it does become too disruptive, you can work on retraining and redirecting your cat to do something else to reduce the frequency of this behavior.
- See also: Why Is My Cat’s Butt Red? Common Reasons
Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock
The 6 Reasons Why Cats Show You Their Butt
12 Responses
I adopted a male cat from a cat shelter. He is supposed to be neutered but he still has his testicules. Is there a way to neuter a cat without taking his tests out?
Hi Nicole Kedge, it could be that he had a vasectomy or that they added testicular implants; however, it is very unlikely, as these procedures are possible but rare. It is more likely that the kitten was not neutered by some kind of mistake or confusion; you should bring him back to the shelter.
My female cat is constantly hissing and growling and trying to scratch and bite at her tail!!why Help.
Hi Tracy woodall, sorry to hear about your cat. We recommend booking a call at www.pangovet.com. You can have a one-on-one call with a vet to help guide you on the best next steps.
we took in a stray female a couple months ago. she started staying on our back deck. she started coming in .it took a year for her to trust us. she came in and stayed. now she is part of the family. but now a couple days ago another female showed up on our deck. her ear is also clipped. and she doesn't leave the deck. she comes in the house after the first couple days. and she stays in for a little while then goes back out on the deck. we keep food out for her. how can you tell if she is or was a family pet without taking her to see if she is chipped. I don't want to take in someone else pet. because I do want to take her in from the cold. and keep her. I just don't want to see her get hurt or miss treated by anyone. since she is so friendly to us. thank you
Hi Ron, thanks for sharing your story with us and for caring about this cat. We suggest you reach local groups on social media, ask your neighbours, and leave ads in cafes or public places. Pet cats usually stay around the area, but it is not unknown for them to have two or more families, especially if there is more food involved!
Do you have any ideas about why my cat has started peeing and sometimes even pooping beside her litter tray rather than in it? The trays are cleaned daily and sometimes more often so I know it’s not that. I have bought new ones. I gave treats in the area to show her the floor isn’t for peeing on but she continues
Hi Paul, you might want to try a different litter. The following post should have some other possible causes to consider and include some helpful tips for you. ???? https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/cat-not-using-the-litter-box/
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-cat-peeing-outside-litter-box/
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-my-cat-pooping-outside-the-litter-box/
Thank you for reading us and if none of this helps, consider booking a video consultation with a vet at www.pangovet.com. Have a great day.
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Hi cmartin,
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I would like to see an article on how should the cat owner trim the cat's toenails. My cat threatens to bite me, but yet my helper can cuddle and trim his toenails in less than a minute.
Hey Vicki! Thanks for getting in touch. You are not alone there, cat's are notorious for not wanting their nails trimmed. Luckily, our team has written a number of articles to support our readers through this. Here are a few for you to check out:
https://www.catster.com/felines-weekly/how-to-cut-your-cats-claws-dr-karyns-tips/
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-trim-a-cats-nails-that-wont-let-you/
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-trim-cat-nails-at-home/
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-restrain-a-cat-for-nail-clipping/
Hope that helps!