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Why Does My Cat Like Belly Rubs?

Rebecca Schmidt • Nov 23, 2014
If your cat loves it when you rub her belly, take it as a compliment. 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.

When dogs roll over on their backs, it can be portrayed as a sign of submission. It means quite the opposite for cats. Your cat can be on full attack mode when she is belly up because now she can use all four sets of claws and her teeth to defend herself or attack her prey. When your cat rolls over on her back and playfully sways from side to side it could be a way of fine tuning her hunting and defensive skills. This is why she will sometimes grab your hand and nibble on you while you are rubbing away.

It’s also possible that your frisky feline loves it when you rub her belly because you’re simply scratching that itch. Your cat may have skin issues like bug bites, allergies or ringworm which can cause irritation and hair loss. While rubbing your cat’s belly, be on the lookout for red patches or bald spots and feel around for protruding bug bites. If something is awry, contact your veterinarian
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