According to cat behaviorist specialist Dr. Rachel Geller, many cats don't like belly rubs because their tummies have a heightened sensitivity to touch, an evolutionary mechanism that helps to protect those vital organs just under their swaying belly flap.
A cat's typical response when its belly is touched is to go into defensive mode – they swat or scratch and may even gently bite. Your cat's not being mean, it's simply a natural reflex of protection. This stems from their natural instincts as both predators and prey.
"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."
If your cat lets you rub his belly, he's showing you that he trusts you. Some cats are just fine with belly rubs, and they may even roll over next to you and ask for them. Other cats can react strongly, feeling threatened or uncomfortable when you try to rub their bellies.
“More likely, the cat is relaxing or stretching—not asking to be touched,” Ciardelli says. “The stomach is a sensitive area.” (She also warns that when a cat is on their back, they're “pointy sides up,” which means that they can bite or scratch if they're uncomfortable or feel threatened.
The typical response for a cat who has her stomach touched, is to spring into defensive mode. She may grab your hands with her paws (if you're unlucky, her claws will also be extended and ready to protect herself) and then maybe even bite.
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.
Every cat is different. 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.
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.
Turns out, it depends on the cat. Some cats are socialized as kittens to be held and kissed, while others haven't had that exposure and might be put off by a kiss as an expression of love. So, some cats like it and some cats don't—but there are ways of detecting the category into which your feline friend falls.
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.
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 soft, small, and just unexplainably adorable. But there is a reason why most cats don't like their paws touched: their paws are extremely sensitive. Cat paws contain large concentrations of nerve receptors, turning your cat's cute paws into finely tuned sensory organs.
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.
Because of their territorial nature, cats believe they actually own your house. When you close a door, it is no wonder that many cats will try to open, scratch, or attack it in every single way. They may simply find your attempt to close a door as a sign that undermines their absolute reign of the territory.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
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.
Your cat might not understand human crying, but she'll gather as many clues as she can and use them to adjust her behavior. Researchers know that reinforcement plays a big role in how your cat decides to react.
According to the experts, cats do not understand smiles and frowns independently, but they fully understand strong human emotions when expressed in more than one dimension — more due to the tone of voice than facial expressions. So, unlike interacting with dogs, smiling is not an effective way to connect with a cat.
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.
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!
Blankets provide warmth and comfort, and cats often seek out the reassuring touch of a blanket as a form of protection from threats. Cats may be more relaxed and less stressed when covered by a blanket, which can help them get better sleep.