Why Do Some Cats Like Belly Rubs? Of course your purring companion may have no better reason for liking belly rubs than the simple fact that it feels good. All cats have those particular spots that get them to purr like lions — the base of the tail, under the chin and for some, the undercarriage area.
Tummy. When she rolls over and shows you her belly, you may think your cat is saying 'tickle my tummy'. But, in fact, most cats don't like to have their tummy rubbed. By exposing the most vulnerable part of her body, she's showing that she trusts you – but she'd probably rather be tickled around her head.
If your cat loves it when you rub her belly, take it as a compliment. It means that your cat wants attention and trusts you enough to touch her belly. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. If she allows you to pet her in this area, then she trusts you completely.
“Cats don't like to be touched in particular places for two main reasons: sensitivity and an instinctual need to protect themselves,” Geller explains. When it comes to the belly, the hair follicles are hypersensitive to touch. Petting a cat's stomach “can be overstimulating to the point of being painful.”
"So, although there are some cats who may tolerate or even enjoy a belly rub, the majority of cats do not. Don't pet the belly no matter how soft and inviting it looks."
While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand. Cats are mysterious pets with distinct personalities.
Some cats like belly rubs – some cats even ask for it. How do you know if your cat enjoys being touched on their stomach? Listen to their body language. If they react well and accept gentle pets, then your cat likes to have their stomach touched.
He was showing affection! When cats stretch, they're saying they feel comfortable and relaxed. If a cat stretches in front of you, it means you make him feel content!
The head, chin and neck are often their favorites. While some cats enjoy having their tails touched, others will recoil and even experience pain from a tail stroke. Take it slowly, paying close attention to your cat's reactions to your touch and always respecting their preferences.
In general, if cats had their choice, many would probably prefer to never be picked up and held. For a cat, there's tremendous security in having all paws on the ground and the ability to move at will. For many cats, being picked up and lifted off the ground creates stress.
In domestic situations, a cat who exposes her belly is actually testing your trust, Dr. Houlihan says. “The abdomen is a vulnerable area for cats because that's where all of their vital organs are located,” she says. “So exposing it is a form of communication — they want to see what you might do.”
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby.
Where are cats ticklish? "Ticklish areas include chin, cheeks, belly, and paws," says Dr. Dimock. But other areas may seem like they are ticklish but have a medical explanation.
The Nose Poke
Cats nose poke (gently touch their nose to the other's nose) only trusted friends, be they feline, human, canine, or equine.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones.
Between animals and in family groups, cats display affection with mutual grooming. Occasionally, cats will also extend this to humans by using their tongue to lick them as they would their own fur. It's a way of mingling scents and is the ultimate gesture in how do cats show affection.
If you've ever wondered why your cat doesn't like their paws being touched, it's actually because they're one of the most sensitive parts of their body. They're packed full of nerve receptors which enables them to feel vibrations and helps with balance.
Cat body posture is fascinating to observe, and rolling on the back sends definite signals. A cat that is secure and content is most likely to roll in an attempt to attract attention. The behavior can be meant as an invitation to play, whether directed to favorite people or other cats.
They're marking their territory
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
Headbutting is a way for cats to mark you with pheromones and bond with you. However, sometimes headbutting can be a way for cats to seek attention. As a general rule, cats like to be scratched under the chin and on the head, so a cat may just be presenting their head to you for some attention and good scratches.
You've probably already noticed that when you pet your cat's paws, they try to avoid your touch, flee, or bite you. But why? A cat's paws are covered with sensory receptors which make them very sensitive. These sensory receptors are essential for cats as they allow them to know which type of ground they're walking on.
When going in for a kiss, the most important thing is to avoid kissing on the lips, for hygiene reasons. It's best to avoid the stomach too as most cats don't like having their tummy touched. Cats usually prefer brief interactions so if you do want a kiss, a quick peck is best.