Skip to main content

If you’re wondering whether cats like belly rubs, here’s what you need to know

Many dogs will enthusiastically greet you, then flop onto the floor and roll onto their backs, hoping for a belly rub. While dogs often enjoy belly rubs, cats aren’t always thrilled by having you pat them on their bellies. Whether or not a cat likes belly rubs really depends on the cat. If you’re looking to show your cat affection, you may want to avoid his belly, at least at first. Knowing how to tell if your cat likes belly rubs can help keep you safe from scratches or nips and ensure that you’re giving your cat attention that he likes and wants.

Person patting a relaxed cat lying on its side
Utroja0/Pixabay

Do cats like belly rubs?

Some do. It depends on the cat. Cats have very sensitive tummies, and the area can be ticklish. Additionally, a cat’s belly is a vulnerable spot. If your cat lets you rub his belly, he’s showing you that he trusts you.

Recommended Videos

Some cats are just fine with belly rubs, and they may even roll over next to you and ask for them. Other cats can react strongly, feeling threatened or uncomfortable when you try to rub their bellies. Every cat is different, and even if you gradually introduce the idea of a belly rub, your cat may just never be comfortable with it.

Because belly rubs are hit or miss depending on your cat, it’s important to learn to read your cat’s body language. It’s great if your cat loves tummy rubs, but you’ll need to find other ways to show him affection if he doesn’t.

Signs your cat likes belly rubs

There are many signs that your cat likes belly rubs. Your cat may:

  • Expose his belly. Your cat may roll over, stretch out, and expose his body to the sky — and to you. As you rub his belly, your cat should be calm and happy.
  • Purr. Your cat may also purr while getting a belly rub.
  • Relax. He might reposition himself to get comfy, but quite likely, he’ll partially or fully close his eyes and relax.

Signs your cat doesn’t like belly rubs

If your cat doesn’t like belly rubs, it’s usually easy to tell. Reading his body language is key. These are the signs to watch out for:

  • A tense posture. He might tense his body and draw his legs up when you touch his belly.
  • Walking away. If he’s been lying with his belly up and exposed, he might flip over or even jump up and walk away.
  • Hissing or growling. Your cat might hiss or growl, and if he does, he’s sending you a strong warning to back off.

Some cats will react quickly when they feel threatened. It’s possible that your cat will curl all four legs up and grab your hand with his paws. He might bite at your hand, too. Remember, this isn’t a personal attack on you. Your cat is responding because he’s uncomfortable and may have been startled. He’s defending himself in a natural, instinctive way.

If you notice these signs of discomfort in your cat, stop rubbing his belly immediately. Some cats just aren’t fond of belly rubs, and it’s important to respect that.

Orange and white cat sleeping on its back on a couch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Where to pat your cat

While your cat might not love belly rubs, there are other ways to pat him so that he enjoys the experience. Most cats love to have their chin and chest rubbed. Some cats are also used to having you pat their back. Avoid sensitive areas like the paws, tummy, and tail. Observing how your cat reacts as you pat him gives you a sense of what he prefers.

Young girl petting cat.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Keeping your cat comfy and happy during patting sessions is a matter of paying attention to him. Cats are good at communicating with body language, so watch carefully. You may start to notice when he’s getting uncomfortable or tired of the attention. Stop patting him before he feels that he needs to get up and walk away. Showing your cat physical affection can be a great way to bond with him, but it’s always important that you provide that affection on your cat’s terms.

Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Tuxedo cats: What you need to know about this black and white kitty
These pretty kitties come in all shapes and sizes
A tuxedo cat lies on a black and white rug

One of the best parts of picking out a new pet is deciding what color you want. You have a blank slate of almost endless possibilities for your fur baby's forever outfit. While we don't recommend selecting on coat alone, it can help to narrow down the kind of kitty you look for.

Some patterns only come along with specific breeds, but others exist across the spectrum, including the tuxedo. Any cat with a black and white motif can qualify as a tuxedo, though since it's not a breed, you'll see all sorts of variations. Here's what you need to know about bringing home tuxedo cats.
What is a tuxedo cat?

Read more
5 totally normal reasons why your cat follows you to the bathroom
Why your cat finds your bathroom so interesting
Cat curled up in a bathroom sink

You head into the bathroom to brush your teeth, take a shower, or use the toilet — but you're not alone. When you have cats, you almost always have company in the bathroom, whether you want it or not. It's not convenient, but it is pretty typical for many cats. While we might see this behavior as strange, it probably makes perfect sense to your cat.

You may wonder, "Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?" But the truth is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, there are four potential explanations. One or more may be factoring into your cat's habits and why you'll never be able to brush your teeth alone again. Don't worry--you'll get used to it if you haven't already!
The bathroom is full of fun things to play with

Read more
7 amazing brown cat breeds to know: Discover all your options before choosing one
These pretty kitties all have beautiful brown fur and excellent personalities
A Burmese cat with brown fur

Cats come in many colors, but pure brown can actually elude some owners. While finding a generic tabby or a tortoiseshell may be pretty easy, only a few kitties will satisfy those who want a dark, rich brown coat. Luckily, we can tell you exactly which ones you should look for and help you hone it in depending on what hue you desire most. Here are the best brown cat breeds and what you need to know about them.
Which breeds have brown coats?

Remember, a few breeds are always brown (namely the Havana Brown — more to come on this beauty), a couple are never brown, and most of these below are sometimes brown. When you want a cat that will get noticed for their beautiful fur, think about bringing home one of these breeds.
Bengal

Read more