Why Do Cats Like to Be Patted on the Bum?
Hey, fellow cat lovers! Have you noticed how your cat enjoys a gentle pat or even a gentle slap on the bum? Is this a real feline preference, or just our imagination? If you're curious to learn more about the mysterious behaviors of your furry friend, keep reading!
1. Stimulation of the sensory nerves
A possible reason for cats' apparent enjoyment of having their bum patted could be the stimulation of sensory nerves.
The area surrounding a cat's tail and bum is rich in nerve endings that are highly responsive to touch. This can generate a pleasurable sensation for cats, akin to the satisfaction we humans derive from a soothing massage.
2. Release of tension or aggression
A gentle pat on a cat's bum might serve as a tension reliever or a way to channel out any pent-up aggression. Cats, like many animals, can become stressed, and physical contact can be soothing.
According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian, “Patting your cat on the bum can help them release tension, anxiety, or aggression. It provides them with an outlet to express their emotions.”
3. Your cat craves your affection
You might have once thought that cats are entirely independent and detached, showing little interest in their owners. However, if you've spent considerable time with your feline friend, you've likely realized that this isn't the case. Cats do care about their humans, and enjoy getting attention from them.
A pat on the bum could just be your cat's preferred method of engaging with you. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity for both of you to deepen your connection.
4. A sign of a trust
You've noticed not only that your cat relishes pats, but she's also deliberately presenting this area to you as a cue for your affectionate gestures! Why is this happening?
Turning bum towards you is a display of vulnerability for a cat, indicating a deep level of trust. When your cat offers you this view, it's a clear indication of her complete faith in you. Her desire for butt pats is a testament to the profound trust she places in you.
5. Territory marking
Cats have an innate drive to establish their territory by leaving their scent. They engage in activities such as rubbing against objects and people, as well as scratching, as a form of territorial marking.
Their flanks, paws, and cheeks are equipped with scent glands, so when they rub against you, they deposit their scent on you. When you pat your cat's butt, you're picking up her pheromones. This patting action is also a way for the cat to mark you, asserting her claim over you.
6. Female cats might be in heat
If you have a female cat that hasn’t been spayed, you might observe signs of her being in heat, such as rolling on the ground and meowing, which are her ways of signaling to nearby males that she's ready to mate.
If a cat in heat seeks butt pats from you, it could also be her way of alleviating discomfort, especially if she hasn't yet found a male to mate with. Your cat will continue to come into heat until she's spayed or becomes pregnant. The only assured method to alleviate heat symptoms in your cat is by having her spayed.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Bum Patting of a Cat
Do’s of Bum Patting
Be gentle
Focus on the area around the base of the tail
Stop if they show signs of discomfort
Don’ts of Bum Patting
Don’t use too much pressure
Don’t continue patting if they want to leave
Don’t touch the actual anus
Don’t use sudden movements, as this can startle the cat
It's important to note that not all cats enjoy bum patting, and you should only attempt it after you've gained your cat's trust. If your cat does like it, make sure to pat gently.