All three of my boys show their tummies. Forest loves to have his belly rubbed. He'll frequently flop down in front of one of us and demand a rubbing. Tailer sometimes likes it, sometimes not. Harvey won't stand for it.
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kitty bellies!
- Thread starter kittylover4ever
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It is a submissive gesture
Good question! This charming posture is used to display friendship, love and trust, but don't touch....most kitties do not like their belly rubbed. Unlike dogs this is a very sensitive area, rubbing their belly can easily lead to overstimulation and result in the claws and teeth coming out.
On another note, when cats get to playing too rough, to show they are getting serious and to warn the other; a cat will roll over on its back to expose and show its wonderful array of weapons, the claws and teeth and express the fact they are ready to be used. So this posture can be used to express a serious warning or to express the trust they feel toward a particular person or animal. I hope this answers your question.
Originally Posted by kittylover4ever
Hello! I have a very simple question........why do cats roll over and show you their bellies? Is it just a comfortable way for them to lay, or is a sign of something else?
Originally Posted by CatPsych
Good question! This charming posture is used to display friendship, love and trust, but don't touch....most kitties do not like their belly rubbed. Unlike dogs this is a very sensitive area, rubbing their belly can easily lead to overstimulation and result in the claws and teeth coming out.On another note, when cats get to playing too rough, to show they are getting serious and to warn the other; a cat will roll over on its back to expose and show its wonderful array of weapons, the claws and teeth and express the fact they are ready to be used. So this posture can be used to express a serious warning or to express the trust they feel toward a particular person or animal. I hope this answers your question.
It seems as though it could also just be a comfortable way to sleep. Swanie starts out in a curl, but ends up sprawled on his back most of the time. Cindy will do it too. Both enjoy having their tummies rubbed.
Chip usually sleeps on his back, all sprawled out... but DON'T touch the tummy!
Oh yes, kitties definitely love to sleep in this position too. Your kitties must also trust you a whole lot to let you rub their bellies, many cats won't permit this, I'd take it as a huge compliment from your kitties since they let you.
Kerry
Kerry
