What does it mean when a cat gets belly up?

If you share your home with a feline, you will know very well that there are some strange behaviors of cats that arouse enormous curiosity. For example, many tutors ask what it means when a cat gets belly up and why they are usually so reluctant to receive caresses in this region.

Although we are accustomed to interpreting this position as a request for caresses in dogs, the felines are hardly allowed to touch the belly, not even by their guardians and relatives. If you’ve already tried, maybe you’ve been surprised by a scratch or bite, right? But if they’re not asking for our pampering, then why do cats leave their bellies in sight? And why are caresses in this region able to arouse aggressive behavior in our cats?

To clarify all these doubts, we invite you to continue reading this article. In it, we will explain what it means when a cat gets belly up and why you should avoid caressing it in this sensitive area of ​​your body. In addition, we also tell you in which regions you can caress your pussycat to please him and demonstrate your affection with total security. Do not miss!

Why do cats get belly up?

To understand what it means when a cat gets belly up, we need to better understand the cat’s postures and their meanings in the communication he establishes with other individuals and their environment. Unlike us, our cats mainly use their bodies to transmit your moods, emotions and perceptions about the world that surrounds them. Although they reveal an amazing ability to vocalize, cats mostly use their body language to express themselves and communicate with their tutors, with other cats and with their own environment.

Usually, when a cat leaves its belly exposed or sleeps on its back, it means that it experiences a moment of relaxation and well-being. Of course, a feline only adopts this position in a safe environment and in the company of those people with whom he has affection and trust. So, if your cat sleeps belly up beside you or near you, this is a signal that feels very comfortable with your presence and who lives in a home that transmits the feeling of security and well-being.

On the other hand, if your cat sees you or he receives you lying down and showing her belly, it’s about a friendly posture to get your attention and invite you to interact or ask for something. Your feline wants to play and share good moments with you, but you should not interpret that a cat belly up is inviting us to caress him in this region. In fact, most cats do not like to touch their bellies, since it is a very sensitive region that harbors some of their vital organs.

Eventually, your cat can also get belly up and turn on itself to stretch and scrub your body. It is a natural behavior that generates pleasure and relaxation. This behavior can also occur if you offer him some catnip (or “catnip“) To your pussycat, since it acts as a powerful stimulus for your senses.

However, if you notice that your cat gets belly up and rubs his body very often or intensely, as if he feels an itch, it is important to be alert. Itching may appear as a symptom of allergy, external parasites or other diseases. Therefore, do not hesitate to go to the veterinary clinic with your cat to see that this behavior is repeated constantly and / or compulsively.

Why do cats not like caresses on the belly?

Unfortunately, there are many false myths about cats and it is still common for some people to ask if cats have feelings, if they like caresses or if they love their caregivers. But just share your house with these fascinating animals to see how intelligent and sensitive the cats are.

That cats do not like kisses or caresses on their bellies does not mean they do not enjoy receiving pampering from their caregivers. Simply, it means that being touched in such a sensitive region makes them feel vulnerable and generates negative feelings like insecurity, stress and fear. Feeling threatened, cats can adopt certain defensive behaviors to preserve their well-being, such as scratches and bites.

Probably, you already heard the popular expression “defend yourself like a cat upside down”. However, it is not a treacherous behavior, that is, the cat does not get upside down with the intention of deceiving and, then, attacking the other individual in a surprising way, as if taking advantage of his distraction. The truth is that a cat transmits us several signs of discomfort and anger before adopting defensive behaviors. If your cat has its ears back, its body is squashed, facial expressions are closed and its tail is taking the shape of a brush (raised, swollen and with bristly hairs), it is communicating its anger and preparing to attack.

However, felines are perfectly capable of establishing a very special link With your tutors, enjoy sharing good times in your company and receive their caresses. The fact that they do not behave or do not express themselves like dogs or like us does not mean they want or feel more or less. They simply express the emotions they experience and their affection for their guardians In a different way. So, instead of comparing or prejudging, let’s bet to better understand the body language of cats and their nature to improve our communication with them.

Where can I pet my cat for him to enjoy?

In general, cats are very pleased to receive caresses in their head, chin, nape and back. However, each cat is a world and it is impossible to establish a manual on how to please, caress or pamper the cats. To know where and how to caress your feline, you will have to know their tastes and identify your preferences. And this is precisely the best part of living with cats: meet them day by day and discover their personality, surprising us with their skills and learning to improve our bond with them.

To recognize your cat’s favorite points, start gently stroking it over its head and, little by little, give it pampering and gentle massages throughout its body, always putting attention to reactions of each one of your caresses. Remember avoid sudden movements, be very careful when touching them in sensitive regions and always respect the limits of your feline. Respect is the key to establishing a healthy and positive relationship with our peers, regardless of their species.

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