Has your cat ever lifted their butt while you scratched the base of their tail? Did you know that this behavior isn't random? Your cat is actually telling you a lot with this body language. They aren't doing it just because it "feels good to them".
Subtle, but real body language
Our cats communicate with us all the time. However, they do so in their own way. While meows are reserved for humans, their body language is an open book...for those who know how to read it.
Their ears, tail, posture, purring: everything they do has a meaning. When your cat lifts their tail and bottom when you caress them on the back, it can say a lot of things. For example, it can show that they enjoy it, it could be a reflex from their childhood, or even behavior linked to reproduction.
A reflex originating from their life as a kitten
When they are small, kittens are dependent on their mom for hygiene. Their mom stimulates them while licking them, notably to help them do their business. It's at this time in their life that they get the habit of lifting their tail and their bottom.
This reflex does not disappear completely when they become adults. When you touch this sensitive area of their body, it awakens a memory associated with a moment of well-being. Rest assured, your cat is not thinking that you're their mother. They simply appreciate the attention you are giving them.
A sign of trust (and not an invitation to sniff them)
Between cats, they can sniff each other's bottoms to learn many different types of information: age, health, sex, or even availability for mating. It's a real social network just based on scent.
Your cat isn't offering you the opportunity to sniff them, but by showing you this vulnerable area, they are proving that they trust you completely. It's a bit like a human saying, “I'm comfortable with you.”
And what about females? Is this body language linked to their heat?
In unspayed cats, this body language can also be linked to the heat period. This is known as lordosis: the back arches, the hind end lifts, and is a clear signal of readiness for reproduction. A simple caress can awaken this reflex, even outside mating season.
Note that this area, at the base of the tail, is very rich in nerve endings. It's no wonder so many cats love it.
TL;DR
When your cat lifts their butt when you caress them, it's not done by accident. Whether it's a reflex, a sign of pleasure or a gesture of trust, it's a great way to strengthen your bond with your cat.
This article might interest you: Why cats show their butts
Source: Science&Vie.
