Has your cat ever revealed their belly to you while you were petting them?
While you may think that this is just a cat thing, there's usually a reason why animals do things. When cats do this, it is often accompanied by a loud purr and a look of satisfaction on their face. Instinctively, we can tell that it's a good thing when cat do this. But what are the real reasons behind this behavior?
Why is my cat showing me their belly?
Many social animals, like dogs for example, have specific behaviors they show to other members of their family. Cats, on the other hand, are more solitary creatures by nature. Because of this, historically, cats were not generally considered particularly social animals.
However, a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery explains that although cats can live as solitary animals, in a context where they have adequate resources, they can also live serenely in groups. We know this to be true, as we live in perfect harmony with our cats.
When cats are in a group, they can adopt certain behaviors to maintain social ties with partners, reduce tension within the group, express an individual's social status, and so on. Our relationship with cats is not very different from this.
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A matter of trust
Studies about cats living in groups have shown that cats develop privileged relationships with certain individuals in the group known as “privileged associates”. These selected individuals are those with whom the other cats interact the most. They groom each other or show signs of vulnerability, such as showing their bellies. In human terms, we could consider them “best friends”.
Of course, your cat wouldn't put themselves in a vulnerable position if they didn't trust you or feel completely safe with you. When your cat shows you their belly, it's their way of letting you know that they consider you to be their best friend! However, it's important to keep in mind that just because your cat shows you their belly, it doesn't necessarily mean that they want you to pet them there. Cats have very specific preferences as to when, where and how they should be touched.
Cats aren't like dogs. To be honest, they're like no other pet. Cat lovers understand their attitude. It makes us feel good to know that cats don't just love anyone. They have their preferences, which is us in this case.
Source: iheartcat
