Why Do Some Cats Hate Belly Rubs?

by Terra Booth
why cats hate belly rubs

Anyone who has owned cats knows that a cat showing you their belly does NOT mean that they like belly rubs! I’ve been writing a lot about the dogs lately because it seems that there is always something going on with them. But when Bubbles has been outside with me lately she’s rolling over like a fiend when I am petting her! I want to touch her soft belly when she does this…and we know where this leads…

I know my cats well enough to know what will and won’t be tolerated! Bubbles may take a pat or two before deciding to latch on with all four paws, claws extended, and bunny kick the snot out of my arm while biting HARD! For anyone wondering what a cat “Bunny kick” is you can read Pam Johnson-Bennett’s post on it here. Miesha will tolerate being touched just about anywhere! And Whiskers usually is ok with it. But not always!

If I don’t know a cat well, you can bet that I’m not going to fall for that trap if they decide they trust me enough to show me their belly!

why cats hate belly rubs and attack
Don’t even think about it Mom!!!

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What It Means When A Cat Rolls Over For You

If a cat is getting rubs and shows you their belly CONGRATULATIONS! This is the ultimate sign of cat trust! It means that your cat looks to you as their leader and feels safe showing you the most vulnerable spot on their body!

When you think about it, cats are much more instinctual still than dogs. Part of this instinct means that they protect vulnerable spots like their bellies. They are trusting that you will not hurt them and are comfortable showing you this area.

But it does NOT necessarily mean that they want you to actually touch their bellies! Unlike dogs…most dogs would do anything for a good belly rub!

why cats attack when you pet their bellies
My Mom’s cat Zoey having a serious chill out on the swing

So Why Don’t Cats Like Their Bellies Touched?

Yes your cat feels safe and secure and is showing you their belly. But their instinct tells them to protect this vulnerable place! This is a good reason for your cat to contort into a twisting and kicking ball of rage targeted at the offending hand!

They may also get overstimulated by touching the stomach area, similar to the spot at the base of the tail! This would be a reason why you may get a few pets in before the snap and attack!! .

why don't cats let you pet their belly
Whiskers striking a pose

There was this one time I was breaking down cardboard from moving boxes in my backyard and a cat showed up! She seemed friendly enough and was weaving and rubbing under my arms as I was cutting the boxes. I guess she must have rubbed under my arm near her tail area because all of a sudden hissing and growling she spun around and latched onto my hand! Good thing I was wearing gloves or I would have been raked for sure!

Warning Signs

While not necessarily limited to belly rubs, cats will definitely let you know when they have had enough! If you don’t know a cat well, I would highly suggest leaving any exposed bellies alone as cute and fluffy as they might be. And soft…so soft. Nope, stop!

If you know the cat well enough you can try with a couple short pets to see if it is tolerated. Just don’t push your luck! If you notice signs such as a twitchy tail, flattened ears, growling or are started to get stiffer in their body language it’s time to STOP!

why cat's don't like their bellies touched
That is a LOT of cat belly begging to be rubbed!

If you don’t stop this could lead to some shredded limbs. Not fun. If you have young children make sure that you supervise them with the cat. You can also teach them what the cat’s body language is telling you.

I know my nephew would make a beeline for my mom’s cats as soon as he got there, and he got scratched more than a few times! I think the pain of hurt feelings was worse than the actual scratch though. But he soon learned to approach slowly and observe the cat’s body language before giving any pets.

why do cats bite when you touch their belly
My brother’s cat Jasmine

Other Behaviors

Some people find it funny when they touch their cat’s belly and the cat goes into attack mode. If you start to repeat this behavior with the cat they may start to associate your hand with a threat. This can lead to them biting you unprovoked! Or even starting to attack other parts of your body. Or someone else’s body.

why cats don't like you to pet their belly
Bubbles having a little catnap

So even if it is a bit of a game to you, it’s definitely not for your cat. You don’t want them thinking that it is acceptable behavior to bite and attack people! Respect your cat’s space right from when they are a tiny kitten!

Showing your cat that you respect their space (even if they don’t respect yours) goes a long way to strengthen the bond you have with them. And this bond can be incredible! You can read about the bond my Mom’s cat has with her and Zoey’s story of survival HERE.

why cats attack when you pet their belly
The big man sprawled out and fast asleep

If you are one of the lucky ones that has a cat that loves having their belly rubbed that’s great! I know sometimes I have even been unable to resist the lure of that baby soft fur though…and have the scars to prove it!

Are there any other behaviors that your cat has that you find funny or would like us to write about? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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4 comments

Field Dogs 300 x 600
Larissa Li July 24, 2021 - 9:45 am

Hm. Didn’t know cats get overwhelmed with belly rubs. Interesting… We had cats they all had different personalities but none seems disliked belly rubs.

Reply
Alice July 24, 2021 - 10:07 am

My new cat is just starting to get more comfortable with me and shows his belly often. I do try to avoid touching it though as I’ve read it’s a sign of trust but not to touch the tummy. He hasn’t gotten mad when I do or bitten me so I’ve been lucky. Thanks for this information.

Reply
Emi Sorensen July 30, 2021 - 7:25 pm

I don’t have a cat, but this was an insightful read, especially as I know plenty of people who do. I now know not to just rub a cat’s belly even if it appears that’s what they’re asking for.

Reply
How Do You Know If Your Cat Is Happy? - Help! I've Got Pets October 1, 2021 - 1:35 pm

[…] Purring indicates that your cat is happy!! My tortie Miesha will purr if you simply look at her and say her name! Bubbles and Whiskers will give you a purr if you give them some rubs. But never on the belly…NEVER…read more on why cats hate belly rubs HERE! […]

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