If your cat likes belly rubs a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat like belly rubs? The reason why your cat likes belly rubs is likely to be that it simply likes the feeling, it is playing and that it is showing that it trusts you.
Your cat might be doing it due to a combination of reasons, but there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat like belly rubs?
Below are likely causes and what would make them more likely.
Your cat simply likes the attention
A likely reason why your cat likes belly rubs is that it likes the attention. This would be more likely if your cat comes to you and gets you to rub its belly and if it does things such as purr when doing it.
Your cat is playing
Often cats will grab your hand and roll onto their backs. The cause might also be that your cat is playing. This would be more likely if your cat grabs and nibbles on your hand when it does it.
It likes the feeling
It could be the case that your cat has an itch and it likes you to rub its belly because it feels good. This would be more likely if your cat likes you rubbing a certain spot.
Your cat trusts you
It is not usual for cats to expose their bellies because it leaves them vulnerable. The fact that your cat has been exposing its belly to you is a strong sign that it trusts you.
Things to consider
Below are things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always liked belly rubs
If your cat did not always like belly rubs, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started liking them. If your cat started liking them suddenly, it could be a sign that your cat became comfortable around you.
The timing of when your cat wants you to rub its belly
If your cat gets you to do it more at a certain time, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if your cat tends to do it more in the late evening, it would be more likely that your cat is playing since cats tend to be more energetic in the late evening.
What to do about my cat liking belly rubs?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
If your cat has not been behaving unusually in other ways, the easiest option would be to simply allow your cat to continue doing it.
Try petting it differently
Another option would be to try petting your cat in a different manner and to see if it likes it when you pet it that way.
Is it weird that my cat lets me rub its belly?
Cats do not usually like people rubbing their bellies. However, it is not unheard of for them to allow people that they trust to do so.