Do Cats Like Belly Rubs – 5 Things To Consider

You and your cat are having such a good time on the couch. He rolls on his back, exposing his belly. The belly seems enticing for you to rub. Instinctively, you stretched out your hand to rub his belly. Then came the reality check; your beloved feline is almost at the point of biting you. You are left wondering: do cats like belly rubs?

Most cats do not like belly rubs. Belly rubs are considered an invasion of privacy for most cats. Many vital organs are located just below their belly and it is considered a vulnerable area.

Occasionally, you will find cats who openly expose their belly when they have complete trust with their owner. In this article, we will discuss the reasons some cats enjoy belly rubs. Furthermore, we will also analyze why the majority of cats hate belly rubs. We’ll also supply detailed answers to some frequently asked questions about cats’ belly rubs.

Reasons Why Cats Like Belly Rubs

Although the number of cats who enjoy belly rubs is few, it might not be popular among cats, but let’s examine why those few cats enjoy it. 

They want attention

Cats enjoy gaining the attention of their owners. Some cats can do virtually anything to gain attention. Exposing its belly to you as an owner may be a way to gain your attention.

Although the belly is the least favorite part of the body for a cat to be petted or tickled. But he may tolerate only the owner to access this part to gain attention. But do not attempt to try your luck as a stranger.

It makes them feel good

Naturally, cats don’t enjoy belly rubs. Many of them view it as an intrusion of privacy. But it is possible to train your cat to enjoy those rubs.

One of the best ways to make it enjoyable is to pair this friendly rub with something they love. For example, you may decide to give your feline a special treat before attempting to rub his belly.

This would likely make him more receptive to a belly rub. If your feline purr while rubbing his belly, this is a good indication he’s enjoying what you are doing.

They feel more relaxed

Cats who allow a belly rub enjoy it. They feel more relaxed. Cats are known for having a lot of nerve endings all over their body. But the nerve endings are more concentrated in the belly region.

Just as a well-executed massage can make humans feel more relaxed, a soothing belly rub does the same for cats.

When you attempt to rub your cat’s belly, and he’s showing some form of discomfort, stop and do not go further with it.

A way to reciprocate love

One of the obvious signs that show your cat trust you is by allowing you to rub his belly. It’s an indirect way of saying — “Hey buddy, I trust you with my whole life.”

Cats enjoy showing love and affection towards people they love and trust. Always watch out for signals that might indicate they are not enjoying it anymore.

Getting rid of an itch

Your cat might be having an itch in the belly region. The best way to get rid of this itch may be to expose its belly to you for a rub.

Gently rub its belly and never betray the trust given to you by your feline. If your cat is growling, howling, or showing any sign of discomfort, stop doing the belly rub.

It is also not uncommon for female cats to roll, overexposing their belly. This action by unspayed female cats shows they are ready to mate.

In addition to the above, it is also common for an unspayed female cat to rub its back against the floor.

Do Cats Normally Let You Rub Their Belly

No. Most cats don’t allow any form of access to their belly. The belly of a cat is the most vulnerable part of her body.

The belly of a cat houses many vital organs. This can be compared to how human jealousy guards their armpits. They do this to protect numerous vascular bundles.

Most cats even rarely expose their belly, not to speak of getting a belly rub or kiss. They prefer to be petted at some other parts other than the 

If your feline allows you to rub its belly, consider yourself among the fortunate ones. They don’t allow belly rubs except for a few ones.

What Does It Mean When My Cat Lets Me Rub Her Belly

It means your cat loves and trusts you. It means a lot. Cats guard their belly like the most precious thing in the world.

When a cat allows you to rub its belly, it’s the highest form of loyalty and trust your feline could ever show towards you.

Not every cat owner is fortunate to have a cat that allows its belly to be rubbed. Does your feline permit you to rub its tummy? If yes, you are part of the few cat owners.

What Does It Mean If A Cat Shows You Its Belly

When a cat shows you its belly, it means your feline is comfortable, relaxed, and is not under any given threat.

There is something called the —Tummy Rub Trap. This means your cat shows you his tummy and only flares up when you touch or try to kiss it.

Most cat owners have experienced the tummy rub trap. It’s not a nice occurrence. We can’t blame our furry friends, though; it’s the way they are wired. All down to instincts.

Apart from the instinct factor, your pet might be in the mood to play or get frisky. Cats are playful pets. When your cat shows its belly, he might need your attention.

The next time your cat shows you its belly, it is a positive sign your cat loves and trusts you. But it’s not necessarily a license to play with its belly.

What Happens When You Rub A Cat’s Belly

When you rub a cat’s belly, the usual response is for the cat to be defensive. He becomes defensive by scratching you with his paws or even biting in some cases.

The action described above boils down to instinct. Cats don’t joke with their tummies. They do everything possible to protects that part of their body.

When your feline becomes defensive, don’t consider him as mean or ill-tempered. It’s a natural cat response.

For cats that allow a belly rub, rubbing their belly makes them feel comfortable. As a cat owner, you sense this when they start to purr. If the reverse is the case, you need to stop rubbing.

Is It Good If My Cat Lets Me Rub His Belly

Yes, it is. It’s a friendly way of expressing your profound affection for your cat. For cats who allow a belly rub they might even adopt this as a way of greeting you.

Whenever such cats see you, they roll over and expose their belly for a gentle rub. If your cat does this, you should also return the favor.

There is nothing harmful when you gently rub the belly of your cat. It is a way to play with your feline.

Why Do Some Cats Hate Belly Rubs

The belly of cats is very sensitive to touch as it contains hair follicles and touch receptors. Just a mere touch of the tummy feels uncomfortable for many cats.

The reason they don’t like being touched on the tail also applies to the belly. They want to be touched in other parts asides from those two body parts.

The hair follicles on the belly and tail are very sensitive to touch. This explains why cats become aggressive when a person tries to touch their belly.

The body parts in which cats enjoy being petted include the cheeks and the head. One intriguing fact about cats is that they are uniquely different. One cat may ultimately allow what another feline would outrightly reject.

How Do You Get A Cat To Let You Rub Its Belly

You can do this by offering your cat special treats before attempting to rub its belly. You can mildly touch your cat’s belly briefly. As you’re touching the belly button, give her a treat you know she loves.

The next time you attempt rubbing her belly, your cat might think there is a reward for a belly rub.

Gauge the reaction of your cat before going further. In addition, you could as well distract her attention by scratching her chin and head before touching her belly. Do this repeatedly to boost the tolerance of your cat for a belly rub.

Always keep this at heart; no matter how hard you try to train some cats for a belly rub, some cats won’t budge.