Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: MrsR on May 08, 2008, 08:29:09 AM

Title: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: MrsR on May 08, 2008, 08:29:09 AM
Misha has a habit of lying on her side and showing me her tummy when she see's me, especially so if I have been out for a while or at work.    She doesn't want me to stroke her tummy as she doesn't like this and I have tried different areas and back wise and head wise she will get over excited and nip at me when I stroke her here when she is on her side so its not that she wants me to stroke her but I am just so curious now as to why she does this - any ideas?
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Ela on May 08, 2008, 08:32:51 AM
No idea why, I find they do this when they seem happy,  relaxed and of course must completly trust the person they are near.
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: MrsR on May 08, 2008, 08:35:02 AM
Awwwwww I hope so as she always does it with me and I really wish I knew why.
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Mark on May 08, 2008, 08:44:47 AM
I read that the belly is the most vulnerable part so you are very privileged and trusted if they expose it to you. I used to think it meant they wanted it rubbed but learned very quickly with Kylie to "Look but don't touch"  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: MrsR on May 08, 2008, 08:47:50 AM
I read that the belly is the most vulnerable part so you are very privileged and trusted if they expose it to you. I used to think it meant they wanted it rubbed but learned very quickly with Kylie to "Look but don't touch"  :evillaugh:

Yes Misha definately doesn't want me to touch - I have tried different areas, etc but its a don't touch zone in that position.    Its so nice to think she totally trust me possibly.    She does it with me nearly 100% so thats so special  :Luv:
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Ela on May 08, 2008, 08:48:22 AM
Quote
Awwwwww I hope so as she always does it with me and I really wish I knew why.

Perhaps Misha is trying to tell you she needs a tummy tuck  ;D.
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: MrsR on May 08, 2008, 08:54:06 AM
Quote
Awwwwww I hope so as she always does it with me and I really wish I knew why.

Perhaps Misha is trying to tell you she needs a tummy tuck  ;D.

You know what I thought maybe that a while ago but we have a nice trim tum at the moe!
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Maddiesmum on May 08, 2008, 10:11:37 AM
I heard, too, that it is an expression of complete trust as the tummy is the most vulnerable part of their body.  A big compliment I would say
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: unseeliechylde on May 08, 2008, 10:44:25 AM
Definately a trust and affection thing - Skye does this all the time, and loves her tum rubbed :wow:. Riley used to do this lots when it was just him, but since Skye arrived he'll only do it now and then - and only when she's not in the room! :evillaugh: He also likes a very slight rub, and will ask for more by rolling over completely sometimes. :Luv: It's also a submissive thing - I love and trust you, and I accept that you are (sometimes) the boss / adult cat who provides food and opens doors..... :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: JackSpratt on May 08, 2008, 12:19:36 PM
Yep, she's showing you she trusts you. My oldest tom lets me blow raspberries on his belly - I think if anyone else tried it he'd be really affronted!
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: clarenmax on May 08, 2008, 14:00:05 PM
I can blow rasberries on Max's tummy too  ;D  I love it  :)
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: tigerbaby on May 08, 2008, 20:00:45 PM
I had been wondering about this too, Jameson didn't use to do it when we first got him, but now every time I get back home and unlock the door I'll find a gorgeous kitty on the carpet, on his back, wiggling around, showing the belly, reaching out with his paws and purring like a tractor.

Infact if he's in the garden and I'll come outside he'll do it aswell. He loves rolling from side to side too when he does it, and moves his neck and head back and forward!

He doesn't mind his belly being stroked, but will let me know when enough is enough.
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Philip on May 11, 2008, 14:04:07 PM
its like they regress back to kittenhood.

Showing their tum is a sign of trust and affection.

Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Moggy73 on May 11, 2008, 18:37:08 PM
Boris will lie on my lap on his back arms above his head legs akimbo and snore away !!

Nice to know he feels relaxed enough to do that with me ..  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: Kirst on May 11, 2008, 22:22:48 PM
Fred cat loves his bellies being rubbed! :Luv:
Title: Re: Why do cats show you their tum?
Post by: unseeliechylde on May 12, 2008, 14:25:33 PM
What a relaxed bunch our babes are! My two allow tummy-munching, too - It's great! (even tho I end up with fur up my nose :evillaugh:)