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Our pet cats, like us, express themselves through body language. There are numerous physical cues of how a cat is feeling, such as a vertically raised tail held high in the air, which indicates a cat is relaxed and open to interaction. But what does it mean when a cat throws itself to the ground and rolls around on its back?
Cats roll on their backs when they are playful, itchy, or need to stretch. The rolling is sometimes accompanied by purring, rubbing its head against the floor, and meowing. Whatever the reason for your cat rolling on its back, this movement is usually a good sign. The rolling-over motion usually indicates that the cat is safe and wants your attention.
This article will provide you with some of the reasons why cats roll on their backs so you can understand what your cat is saying. One thing to remember is that no single sign or indicator of a cat’s body language is certain. As a result, when interacting with a cat, especially one you don’t know, proceed with caution.
To Scratch Their Backs
When a cat has an itch on its back, it can’t scratch it with its feet because it has ‘cat-scratch fever.’ Cats will frequently throw themselves down on the ground and roll over on their backs to scratch themselves. Cats, like other animals, can have dry skin and parasites such as fleas and mites living in their fur. All of these things can cause skin allergies and severe itching.
Examine your cat’s fur and skin if he appears to be in pain when writhing around on his back. Check all areas of your cat’s body including the back, legs, rump, neck, face, and ears for signs of skin dryness or parasites. If you find fleas or mites in your pet’s fur, consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may request to bring your cat in for an examination, or you may be told what products to use to get rid of the tiny little pests that are bothering him.
To Seek Attention From Their Owner
Cats, despite their undeserved reputation as cold and aloof pets, form strong bonds with their owners. The joy that cats show when they see familiar humans after a period of separation is a great example of this. As you approach, the cat will frequently roll over onto its back.
Your cat is rolling around outside as an invitation to you to pay attention to them and play with them. It is also a social and friendly, non-aggressive way of telling other cats that they do not intend to harm anyone. They may want your attention, but they do not necessarily want you to touch or pet them on the belly. If you try to pet their belly, you might get a handful of claws from the cat, along with several scratches. When you move to pet your cat’s belly, don’t be surprised if your cat sits upright in a fraction of a second to protect their belly, and perhaps even gives you a tiny growl to let you know not to pet them there. If your cat is rolling around on the floor meowing at you, approach them to see what they will do. If they remain in that position, try petting their stomach. However, if they immediately sit up, you may want to continue petting their head.
To Stretch Its Muscles
Cats, like humans, need to stretch their muscles from time to time, and they do so in a variety of ways, including laying on their backs and rolling around. This is most commonly seen when a cat first awakens from a nap.
You’ve probably seen your cat wake up from a nap and roll around on its back, stretching its back, legs, and neck. If you think your cat is simply stretching his muscles when rolling around on his back, it’s best to let him be.
Your Female Cat Might Be Entering Heat
Cats will sometimes roll around outside to signal to other cats that they are ready to mate. When a female cat is in heat, she will roll around outside to send her pheromones to the male cats in the area. Entering heat is always a possibility if your cat is female and unspayed. Once a cat reaches sexual maturity, she will enter and exit estrus cycles for the rest of her life.
Cats in heat roll over to show their desire to mate. Expect local toms to take an interest if you leave your cat outside during this time. Female cats release a variety of pheromones when they lie on their back. The cat may also be rolling to eliminate any scents on her fur. This is done so that suitors aren’t put off by the scent of a competitor. Do not be offended if a cat in heat rolls over and grooms you after petting to remove the smell of your hands.
If your cat is in her season then she tends to:
- Attempting to flee the house at any opportunity
- Yowling and howling at night. This is commonly referred to as caterwauling ‘Presenting’ to humans and other cats.
- Spraying almost constantly and urinating inappropriately
- Appetite loss
- Excessive grooming and nesting within assigned territory
To Tell You It’s Time to Play
Cats frequently throw themselves down on the ground and roll around on their backs when they are feeling frisky and playful. They are capable of showing this behavior with humans, other cats, and even dogs.
When a pet cat sees his human family gathering to play, he may roll around on his back. Cats can tell when their humans are having a good time by observing their body language and listening to their speech. Tossing a small cat toy to your cat will reveal whether or not he is playful when rolling around on his back. If he continues to swat the toy around and bite it, he is clearly in a playful mood!
Conclusion
Cats roll on their backs for a variety of reasons. This feline behavior can indicate happiness, contentment, or irritation. It can also indicate that a female cat is getting ready to mate or that a cat of either sex wants to play. Pay close attention to your cat the next time it rolls around on its back to see if you can decipher what message it is attempting to send!
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