My Cat Doesn´t Claw When I Pet His Stomach?

[catthecatlover]

I´ve seen a lot of things that say that a cat will usually attack or claw someone if they touch the cat´s belly, but mine doesn´t do that? He´s a bit of a lump. Could this be because he was a rescue and lost his mother very young?

 

[jcat]

Some cats actually enjoy belly rubs, but how tolerant of them they are varies. Some only allow family members to touch their bellies, others have to be in a very good mood, some enjoy only a light touch, etc..

You have to be very cautious about trying to touch a cat's stomach for the first time, and it's not advisable if the cat doesn't know you.

 

[jen]

It isn't a rule. Most of my cats have loved it. I have had very few who would get upset over it. Totally depends on the personality and many other factors.

 

[amethyst]

One of my cats loves belly rubs. If you go over to pet her she flips over onto her back so you can rub her belly, like a dog. If you try to stop petting before she has decided you are done she will grab your hand and force you to keep petting. She was with her mother for 6 months.

I think it's more a trust thing. Their bellies are their most vulnerable part, so a cat showing you their belly or going as far as letting you pet it shows they trust you completely.

 

[Elphaba09]

Eight of our nine like their bellies rubbed.

 

[catthecatlover]

Thanks, everyone! I feel better, I’ve not had many other cats and our only other one right now will bite if you try to rub his belly. Niko is a very social and cuddly boy, he even gets lonely at night when everyone is asleep and he’s not.