If your cat often rolls over, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat roll over? The most likely reasons why your cat rolls over are that it is being submissive, it is playing or that it simply likes the feeling.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat rolls over and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are a number of things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and the timing will likely have a lot to do with it.
Why does my cat roll over?
Below are likely reasons why your cat rolls over and what would make each of them more likely to be the main reason.
Submissiveness
When cats are trying to show that they are not a threat, they will often roll onto their backs. The reason why your cat rolls onto its back could be that it is being submissive. This would be more likely if it does it more in situations such as when other cats are around it. It would also be more likely if it shows other submissive signs such as making itself appear smaller and trying to hide.
Intimidation
It might also be the case that your cat is intimidated. This would be more likely if your cat rolls onto its back when you approach it boldy or loudly or if it does it when there are things happening that might intimidate it such as there being loud noises inside.
Your cat is playing
Cats will often roll onto their backs when they are playing and it could be why your cat rolls onto its back sometimes. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when it is playing with you and if it is full of energy when it does it.
To mark or hide its scent
The cause could also be that your cat is trying to mark its scent. This would be more likely if your cat tends to roll around, randomly, around the house.
It might also be the case that your cat is trying to hide its scent which would be more likely if your cat tends to do it by rolling in smelly things such as the grass.
It has an itch
The cause might also be that it has an itch on its back or that it simply likes the feeling. This would be more likely if it tends to rub its back around on the floor when it does it and if it tries to rub its back on other things as well.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always rolled over a lot
If your cat has not always rolled over a lot, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, the cause could be that something caused it to start getting intimidated or because it got an itch on its back.
The timing of when your cat rolls over
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat rolls over since the timing likely has something to do with it. If it does it when you are petting it, the cause would be likely to be that it is playing. Whereas, if it does it when no one is around, it is likely that it does it because it likes the feeling.
What to do about my cat rolling over?
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 and it does not seem to be doing it due to being intimidated, the easiest option would be to let your cat continue doing it.
Limit reasons why it might be intimidated
It would also help to limit reasons why it might be intimidated by doing things such as letting it stay in a quiet room where there is a safe spot for it to go to.
If your cat has been doing it when you are interacting with it, it could help to be calmer with your cat. It would also help to consider if there is anything around the home that might have been intimidating it.
Why does my cat roll over when it sees me?
If your cat rolls over, when it sees you, the most likely causes are that it is being submissive or that it is playing.
Why does my cat roll around on the floor?
The most likely reason why your cat rolls around on the floor is that it likes the feeling. It could also be the case that your cat is marking its scent on the floor.
Why does my cat roll over when I pet it?
If your cat rolls over, when you pet it, and it also grabs your hands, the cause is likely to be that it is playing. If your cat tries to distance itself from you, the cause is more likely to be that it is being submissive and is intimidated.
Why does my cat roll over when I approach it?
If your cat rolls over when you approach it, the cause is likely to be that it is being submissive and that it is playing.
Why does my cat roll over when I come home?
If your cat rolls over, when you come home, the most likely causes are that it is being submissive or that it is playing.
Why does my cat roll on my clothes?
Your cat likely rolls on your clothes because your cat likes the feeling and because it is rubbing its scent onto your clothes.
Why does my cat roll in dirt?
A likely reason why your cat rolls in dirt is that it is trying to mask its scent so that your cat can hunt without being detected.
Why does my cat roll on the carpet?
Your cat likely rolls on the carpet because it likes the feeling and because it is rubbing its scent onto the carpet.