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Why Do Cats Lay On Their Backs – Things To Know

Why Do Cats Lay On Their Backs – Things To Know

Who doesn’t love walking into a room and being greeted by your cat cutely sprawled out across the floor with their paws in the air. They always look so sweet when they’re lounging on their backs, looking up at you with their big eyes. You can’t help but wonder what your little furbaby is thinking. So, why do cats lay on their backs? 

Cats lay on their backs to display trust. Laying on their backs is a vulnerable position, so they’re genuinely showing you that they don’t see you as a threat. 

Let’s take a more in-depth look into what it means when a cat lies on their backs in different situations. 

Why Do Cats Lay On Their Back With Paws Up

One interesting reason cats will lay on their back with their paws up is to help keep them cool. When cats get too hot, they will use the pads on their paws to regulate their body temperature. Their pads are one place where cats can potentially sweat. 

On the other hand, cats may have their paws up to keep themselves warm as well. Since they can retain heat through their pads and belly easily, they might just be trying to warm up. This can be why you notice your cats are soaking up the sun shining through one of your windows while sprawled out. 

Your cat may have their paws up in the air to quickly defend themselves if they feel threatened. I’ve noticed that with having multiple cats in the house, sometimes, my cat sometimes keeps his paws up so he can be prepared for when their kitty siblings are ready to play. 

Your cat may also just be waiting to play in general. They have their paws up in the air, just waiting for their human to bring them the perfect toy to run around with. This is the ideal time to dangle a swinging toy or something that hangs to allow your kitty to bat around. 

Why Does My Cat Expose His Belly To Me

Your cat may expose their belly to you to show their affection and how comfortable they are around you. They don’t view you as a threat and may even view you as their protector. 

Your cat may also be in the mood to play! Next, you see your cat showing you their belly pick up a toy and see if they’re interested. That may be precisely what they were hoping for. 

Sometimes cats will expose their belly to you just to show how relaxed they are. Some cats will top off this relaxed pose with a lot of stretching to truly find their ultimate comfort while hanging out with their humans. 

They may also be trying to provoke you to give them a little grooming like they would’ve received when they were a little kitten. If your cat is one that loves to be brushed, consider this as a potential sign. It’s best to approach this slowly, though, in case you’re reading their signals wrong. You don’t want to get your hand attacked while trying to give them some gentle brushing. 

If you have a cat that is a bit older, they may lay on their backs strictly for comfort reasons. When they get older and potentially have some joint or bone pain, being on their back can be a way of taking some pressure off. 

Why Do Cats Roll On Their Backs When They See You

A big reason your cat might roll on their back when they see you is to get your attention. It’s almost like they’re saying, “Look how cute I am. Don’t you want to pet me?” Of course, you want to pet them. They look adorable!

It can also be a way for your cat to show you how comfortable they are with you. This is their little way of showing how much they love you. So next time you walk in the room and your cat is on its’ back, be sure to take a few minutes to give your cat some extra attention. A little will go a long way!

Another reason they may be on their backs that is a bit less loving is because they’re itchy. Much like a dog sometimes rubs their back all over the floor, cats can do the same. They’re typically pretty good at reaching their itchy spots with their feet or even by licking, but sometimes they need the assistance of some nice carpet to hit the spot. 

What Does It Mean When Your Cat Lays On Your Back

There are multiple reasons why your cat may choose to lay on your back. They may like laying on you because they’re trying to stay warm. Just like how they like to lay in the sun, they know they can warm up with the heat that comes off your body. 

Some cats feel more secure when they’re laying on you. Most cats will view their owner as their safe place and protector. You’re their safe place. They feel comfortable knowing you’re there to protect them if any danger arises. 

It may just be that they want to show you they love you. Cats tend to be big on giving their owners affection. This is one way they can cuddle up with you and show how much they care about you. 

Do Pregnant Cats Lay On Their Backs

When your cat is pregnant, they may or may not lay on their backs. Some of it depends on how far along they are in the pregnancy and the cat itself. When a cat has a giant belly full of kitties, they’re less likely to lay on their backs. It won’t be comfortable. 

Super pregnant cats, you will typically notice lay on their sides. That’s probably the most comfortable position for them. Laying on their backs will put a lot of extra weight on their insides, making it harder to breathe or be generally uncomfortable. 

Pregnant cats can also have a sense of protectiveness when it comes to their unborn kitties. Since being on their backs is more of a vulnerable position, they may not want to allow easy access to their belly full of kitties. 

You certainly can expect some extra love and affection from your newly pregnant kitty, though. A lot of pregnant cats love snuggles and cuddles from their humans. 

Do Cats like Being Pet On The Stomach

Typically cats don’t like being pet on their stomach. While there may be some exceptions to the rule, as there are with everything, hating tummy rubs is the common theme among our feline friends. 

If you’ve ever tried to pet a cat on their stomach, you’ve probably also felt the wrath. My cats will let it happen once then wrap their legs around your arm and start to kick and bite to get you away. Exposing their bellies makes them extremely vulnerable, so having that space touched puts them feel like they need to protect themselves.

The hair on a cat’s belly also tends to be a bit more sensitive. So when you’re scratching their bellies, they become overstimulated and want you to stop. Even though it seems like your cat is asking for a belly rub, resist the urge. Just stick with giving them a nice pet on their face. They’ll appreciate that much more!

Overall, there are tons of reasons why your cat likes to lay on their back. Feel a sense of happiness when you see your cat exposing their bell, as it’s most likely a sign to say they love you, and you are their trusted human!