Our feline friends do lots of interesting things. And if one thing is true, they are masters at keeping their humans entertained. Cats effortlessly amuse us with their antics, and while they’re not even trying, it makes us instantly wonder why they do what they do when they do it. Not all cats like it when you touch those saggy bellies of theirs. Some cats react quickly with a paw full of claws sinking into your flesh. Does your cat like to lay on their back? I’m sure you’ve wondered why they do this. Let’s take a closer look at why cats lay on their back. The answer will help you understand what’s happening inside your cat’s powerful mind.
Why do some cats hate when you touch their stomach?
Imagine for a moment that you are a cat. The things that you liked as a human might suddenly differ. However, many cats and humans don’t want their stomachs touched. For your cat, it’s because this makes them overstimulated and nervous. And for us, well, most of us are a tad insecure regarding our mid-region, so the thought of someone touching us there can make us quite uncomfortable. So, perhaps cats and humans have more in common than you think!
Your cat is playful—and you might fall into their belly trap trickery!
Cats can sleep 15 hours a day, but when awake, they prefer to keep active. Your cat thrives on play, no matter their age, and interacting with you is one of their favorite hobbies. When you play with your cat, there are likely times when they will become overstimulated. Pet-induced aggression (overexposure to human touch) can occur as a result. Your cute little cat might lure you with those Puss in Boots eyes when they lay on their back. But the moment you get the urge to reach out and touch their belly, it’s game over. These playtime moments will make us smile for falling for their tricks—even if they leave us with visible scratch mark reminders.
Cats lay on their back because they trust you entirely.
Some cats are the exception to the rule. I’ve had cats since I was just a toddler, and never once have I had a cat that loved, and even craved, belly rubs. Some cats hate when you touch their paws, and this cat even lets me give him murder mitten massages. My little buddy came into my life at the lowest point I’ve ever been, and the love and affection he’s shown me has brightened even my darkest days. When he came into my family at just three months of age, he would flop over and flash his belly to me. I hesitantly touched it, expecting the worst, only to find that he’d reach out the second I stopped stroking his belly. This cat allowed me to touch his stomach, and he loved it! With that being said, when cats are on their backs, this is when they are most vulnerable.
Cats have what is known as a “righting reflex,” meaning they can contort their bodies in midair to help them land on their feet. But flipping over to their feet is not as easy when they’re on their backs on the ground. This means that if your cat lies on their back, they’re doing it to show you that they trust you, you make them feel comfortable, and you do not pose a threat. Some cats will even lie like this for an extended period, making them seem broken. This dog-like behavior is pretty cute to watch, and now that you know why cats do it, it’s hard not to feel special!
