Why Is My Cat Rolling Around

Your Cat Feels Safe And Secure

Although cats are predators, their small size can make them appealing to larger predators. As such, it is not easy for a feline to feel relaxed, especially in a new and unfamiliar environment.

Furthermore, cats know innately that their bellies are one of their most vulnerable body parts. A strong blow or cut in the area can lead to fatal results.

If your cat rolls on the concrete, especially when he is around you, you should take it as a compliment. It simply means that he feels safe and secure around you and that he can let his guard down.

Why Do Cats Roll On The Ground

See files for Cats

Occasionally, a cat’s behavior can be inexplicable to humans. Things that seem funny to us, like chasing strings or climbing up curtains, are completely normal to them and are actually based on their feline instinct.

If you’ve ever seen your cat rolling on the ground, chances are you’ve wondered what motivates this peculiar behavior. It may also be accompanied by some meowing and somewhat contorted movements. If you want to know why cats roll on the ground, keep reading the following article by AnimalWised!

Why Does My Kitten Play In Her Litter Box

We all love our spaces, dont we? The same applies to a cat the litter box is her safe haven. Thats her territorial ground. She is home so let her be. If the litter box is new, she may be trying to figure things out and learn more about the latest gadget in her possession. However, too much time in the box can also be a sign of illness, so watch out.

Also Check: What Did Lovecraft Name His Cat

What Does A Cat Rolling Over Mean

When your cat is rolling over, it means that your cat is feeling happy. Cats generally show their happiness and seek your attention and care by rolling over.

As the belly is cats most sensitive area, and they expose it only when they feel safe, secure, and relaxed. Rolling over also helps cats cool themselves, mark their territory, get relief from itchiness, or attract potential mates.

Your Cat Trusts You Completely

In the wild, cats are predators and hunt mice and birds, but they are also prey. Lying on their backs and having their stomach exposed is one of the most vulnerable positions cats can be in where they are threatened most by predators.

When in this pose, there is no way for the cat to get up and run away. Instead, the only protection they have is their claws, which is not a strong defense against a larger animal. Besides, all of your cats important organs are located inside their tummy, including their kidneys, their liver, and all other parts of their digestive system. If any of these organs got damaged your cat would not have much chance of survival.

So, another reason why your cat rolls over when she sees you could be because she is communicating the trust she feels towards you. When your cat exposes its tummy to you, its a sign of complete trust. They feel safe enough to be in this vulnerable position, and are letting you know how much they adore you!

Also Check: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

The Stages Of A Female Cat In Heat

Many cat owners report that their cat seems to go into heat in stages. How this happens depends on the cats personality, but you do have some underlying threads. For example, many say that their cat becomes more mischievous. They might start to pace and become restless.

Next, you will see her grooming her private parts more frequently. Then, the meowing and constant desire for attention and affection starts. Its at this point that you may see her roll around on the floor as a way to get her scent out there and broadcast to all the tomcats in the area.

Funny Fact: Many well intentioned but misguided pet owners have thought that their female cat was dying when she went into heat. They took her to the vet only to learn she was in heatnot dying.

Oftentimes while rolling, you will see her excessively grooming herself as she rolls. You have to be careful during this time how you approach her because she may become more aggressive.

At this point, you may see your cat go into a position called lordosis. This happens where she will have an excessive inward curvature of the lower back while arching her hips. Her tail will go off to one side during this time. Your cat will also be sensitive to touch, and she may make trilling noises. She may also make caterwauling or yowling noises during this time.

Male Cats are Tomcats: What are Females Called?

Why Does My Cat Roll Over When He Sees Me

When you have a cat at home, you will never have a dull moment in your life, because you will be busy figuring out what their body movements and postures mean. Unlike dogs, cats exhibit various dog movements, and it takes a great deal of patience and time to understand these and act accordingly. If you are new to handling cats, you may have many questions in your mind. Some of these questions are why doesnt my cat like belly rubs, why does my cat roll over when he sees me, why mycat rolling on floor and crying and many more.

Cats are also very sensitive creatures. If they dont like the way you react to their body movements, they immediately spring up and try to attack you with their paws, claws or teeth. The reason why cats body postures are quite confusing is because a similar movement may mean a different feeling during different times of the day. Very often you would have noticed your cat rolling over the ground when he spots you. Have you ever wondered why? Keep reading to know more about this

Read Also: How Many Human Years Do Cats Live

Tending To Their Coat

Instead of water and soap baths, cats love dirt and dust baths. Getting under the fur in a rougher way is sometimes more pleasing to them.

My outdoor kitties run in the house every night coated in dust and plants. One of them is pure white she looks a dusty reddish-brown by the end of the day.

Cats roll in the dirt to soothe itchy skin or remove parasites and plant matter such as foxtails. Concrete driveways, being uneven and scratchy, work even betterand wont leave your cat covered in dirt.

Cats Love To Be Clean And Warm

Cats are meticulous in their natural cleanliness and spend much of their time grooming themselves by keeping their fur clean, detangled, and well-conditioned. Cats also maintain a higher body temperature and cleaning themselves helps maintain and regulate their body temperature. When a catâs coat becomes soaked, it becomes quite heavy, making it hard for them to return to a dry, warm state quickly. A wet coat can also make the cat feel slow and not as nimble as usual, which results in an uncomfortable sensation of not being able to quickly get out of a situation.

You May Like: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

Do Cats Roll Over Because They Like Their Belly Rubbed

Cats are unlikley to roll ovr to invite you to rub theri belly. Most cats dont like to have their belly touched at all. Besides being a vulnerable spot in any animal, let alone a critter as small as a house cat, bellies are very sensitive.

Your cat may be ticklish! Another reason cats may not like their bellies touched is that they may just be too sensitive with all those hair follicles in soft skin.

Cats usually prefer to be touched on the chin and cheeks. They have scent glands in the chin and cheeks that they use to mark both territory and colony members. Scent is the main way cats identify one another. You are a member of your cats colony and petting on the chin and cheeks makes them feel secure as they blend their scent with yours.

Is There Anything To Worry About Rolling Cats In The Dirt

Rolling the cat in the dirt is very common in cats, and if your cat is doing it, there is nothing to worry about. Because rolling the cat in the dirt shows that your cat is happy and enjoying the moment, and the cat is entirely normal.

But still, if you have doubts that your cat has parasites in the fur. You should go to the vet and give a proper check-up to the cat.

Don’t Miss: Cat Age In Human Years Chart

A Solicitation For A Belly Rub

Although it may appear that your cat wants a belly rub when they lay on their back, this is the one possibility that is rather unlikely. Dogs who lay on their backs? Yes, they would probably appreciate a good belly rub. But cats? More than likely, no.

Thats because cats tend to be protective of their stomachs, mostly because directly beneath their soft underbellies are their sensitive organs.

While its rare, if you believe your cat may rolling on their back because of a related illness or injury, we recommend booking an immediate appointment with a vet who can examine their physical state and behavior.

Contact Sunset Veterinary Clinic today at 844-2888 to schedule your appointment.

Your Cat Is High From Catnip

Catnip can have some crazy effects on cats thanks to a chemical found in the plant called nepetalactone. This works on certain happy areas in your cats brain which causes changes in behavior. Sometimes, catnip causes mats to get playful, but a much more common response is for cats to flop over and social roll before eventually mellowing out.

You may be thinking that there is no way your cat has come into contact with catnip and your cat is rolling around on the floor for another reason. Yet, youll likely be surprised at how many cat products in your home do contain catnip, as many cat toys have catnip in! Also, if you have an outdoor cat, your cat could have easily strumbled across some catnip growing in the wild.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, why do cats flop down in front of you? There are actually many reasons why your cat could be rolling around on the floor! They could be after some attention, communicating that they trust you, or wanting you to play with them. As cats rely heavily on scent for communication, they could also be marking their territory.

When cats roll in the dirt, they could also be trying to clean themselves or cool themselves down. Unspayed female cats may also be in heat, of any cat that has got a whiff of catnip could be high from the scent. As you can see, there are almost endless possibilities behind this endearing behavior!

Read Also: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

What Should I Do When My Cat Rolls In The Dirt

Bathing in the dirt is a common action for animals. Its not exclusive to cats rabbits, birds, and chinchillas also do it. On top of that, some horses enjoy rolling in the dirt or snow in spite of their large bodies. What Im trying to say is, cats rolling in the dirt is completely normal. Most of the time, you dont need to do anything about it.

Cats roll in the dirt because theyre marking their territory, saying theyre happy, or seeking attention. The most you could do in these cases is give your cat a belly rub.

In other cases, when the reasons are medical, you can visit the vet. Youll know theres an infection thats causing it because the cat will show distress signs when rolling around.

Your Cat Is Feeling Playful

Another reason I have discovered that my cat rolls over when she sees me is that she is wanting to play. Quite often when my kitty plays, she will roll onto her back and bat her toy between her paws while kicking it with her back legs. I have realized that when my cat flops over in front of me, she sometimes just wants a toy to play with.

This could be true for your cat, so why not try getting her favorite toy, waving it in front of her, and seeing how she responds? If she starts playing with you, she may have just been trying to communicate that it was playtime!

You May Like: Sylvester The Talking Cat 2019

Why Do Cats Roll Around

Are you a fellow cat lover? Do you own a faithful feline friend who potters around your house, bringing a little extra light to your life? If so, then youll have probably wondered why your cat is rolling around on its back.

This behavioral trait can be used to learn something about our furry friends. Often when a cat rolls on the floor youll see it drop suddenly, and rub its head into the ground while making noises. Though it could be due to an awkward itch or a much-needed stretch, its more often a positive indicator, showing you that the cat feels secure and would like some human attention.

Ground Corn For Cat Litter Odor

Cats roll around in their litter boxes. Its gross, but it happens. So long as the litter box is kept clean, this behavior isnt unhealthy. Instead, its just a bit dusty and dirty. If your cat is rolling around in a soiled litter box, contact your veterinarian to discuss possible reasons for the behavior.

Also Check: How To Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture

Should I Worry When My Cat Rolls In The Dirt

Dust bathing is common in a lot of other animals with thick fur, including rabbits, chinchillas and number of birds. Even dogs and horses enjoy dust bathing or rolling in snow, dirt or mud. As explained above, most of the time rolling in the dirt is an indication that your cat is just normal, happy or playful.

If you think your cat is dust bathing because of fleas or ticks, try an anti-parasite medication or take your cat to the vet. If your cat shows no other signs of distress, its probably safe to say that its just enjoying the sensation of rolling in dirt.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Up Cat Puke

Your Cat Is Seeking Attention

In most cases, your cat rolls in the dirt to seek your attention. It gently rolls in the dust exposing its belly to get your eyes on them.

Generally, cats expose their belly when they are in a good mood and feel safe, secure, and happy. So, rolling in the dirt can be your cats way of telling you that it needs your love and affection.

Also Check: Do Cats And Dogs Have Belly Buttons

You Have Just Given Your Pet Catnip

If it is your first time to give your pet catnip, you can expect a few odd behaviors from him, including rolling on the floor.

Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone. Once inhaled, nepetalactone acts like the sex hormones released by cats, making your cat behave the same way as getting a whiff of real feline sex hormones.

Apart from rolling on the floor, you might notice your cat becoming more playful or relaxed. However, some cats become more aggressive when they smell catnip. The reaction can vary from one cat to another.

Is It Safe For My Cat To Curl Up In My Dirty Laundry

In most cases, yes.

Cats arent affected by human sweat or odors, so in most cases its completely safe for your cat to curl up in your dirty clothes or towels.

The exception to this rule is if you have worked in an environment where toxins may have spilled on, or attached to, your clothes.

Things like paint, cleaning chemicals, and toxic plants can all be harmful to your cat if they roll around in them or digest them.

So if your clothing could have traces of harmful chemicals or toxins, keep them out of reach of your kitty.

Recommended Reading: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years

Why Does My Cats Roll Around On Its Back

• Anna Liutko

A cat rolling around on its back is really not all that strange, but there are multiple reasons for this behavior.

While it can certainly be amusing and entertaining, you will want to know why your feline friend does this.

It could be completely harmless or a sign of a serious health problem.

A Cat In Heat Will Display A Dramatic Increase In Affectionate Behavior

If you thought your cat was a lovebug before, now shes probably glued to you, constantly demanding your attention, weaving in and out of your legs, rubbing against you, shaking her pelvis, and rolling on the floor. But if you pick her up while shes rolling around, she may grab your arm or even bite.

Read Also: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years