Living with a cat for some time will help you get to know her preferences and also things she isn’t a fan of.
Your cat might indicate her preferences through her unique way of communicating, like purring.
You might have found out accidentally that your cat seems to really enjoy it when you gently pat near the base of her tail, which is one of the most sensitive parts of her body.
Why does this happen? Why do cats like butt pats?
There are 6 most common explanations for your cat enjoying these pats. Let’s check them out!
1. Your Cat Enjoys Getting Attention From You
Maybe you used to be one of the people who believed cats are totally independent and aloof, and couldn't care less about their owners.
If you have been sharing your life with a furry companion for a while now, I’m sure that you are now convinced of the opposite. Cats do care about their humans, are aware of how much they love them, and enjoy getting attention from them.
Butt pats might simply be the way your cat likes to get attention from you. Furthermore, this also serves as an excellent way for the two of you to strengthen your bond.
2. It Just Feels Good
Petting a cat isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. Some cats really enjoy petting, while others don’t have any need for it. Furthermore, sometimes a cat does want to be petted, but her owner might be doing it in the wrong way.
Most cats will enjoy being petted on their head, cheeks, nose, and shoulders. However, according to the cat petting chart, some cats will also like to feel a little pressure at the base of their tails.
Therefore, butt pats might simply be your cat’s favorite way of getting pets from you! Take a look at the video below showing a cat that really enjoys getting butt pats from her owner.
3. A Sign Of A Trust
You've not only observed that your cat enjoys butt pats, but she's also intentionally displaying this part of her body as a signal for you to shower her with affection! Why is this happening?
According to the Daily Paws, the bum-to-the-face position is the most vulnerable for a cat, meaning that, if a cat exposes this part of her body to you, this is an ultimate sign that she trusts you completely.
Showing their butts can be risky for cats, since they can’t see them, and, therefore, are exposed to backside attacks.
If your pet is this confident around you enough to lift her butt to you, this shows you that she doesn’t feel threatened or insecure in your home.
Wanting to get butt pats from you means your cat has immense trust in you.
4. Territory Marking
Why do cats like butt pats? This might be your cat’s favorite way of territory marking! If you have recently welcomed a new pet to your home, your resident cat might not be so thrilled about this.
As Orange County North Carolina explains, cats possess an innate drive to establish their territory by leaving their scent behind. Consequently, they engage in activities like rubbing and scratching on objects or even people as a form of territory marking.
Cats have scent glands on their flanks, paws, and cheeks, so, when they rub against you, they put their scent on you to leave a message for other cats. When you touch your cat’s butt, you’ll get her pheromones.
If your cat leaves her scent on you by asking for butt pats, this might be her way of telling other cats to back off.
5. Your Cat Feels Itchy
Your cat might also be experiencing itchiness and could be seeking your assistance to relieve it by scratching her butt.
She might have a problem reaching this part of her body as she would like to, so she’s asking for your help.
Itchiness could happen for numerous reasons, such as allergies, impacted anal glands, or parasites.
If you find your cat frequently requesting butt pats, it would be advisable to consult a veterinarian. They can assess whether any of the previously mentioned medical conditions are responsible for her discomfort.
6. Your Cat Might Be In Heat
If you have a female cat that hasn’t been spayed, you might notice some signs she is in heat, such as rolling around and meowing to let the males in her vicinity know that she’s ready for mating.
If your cat in heat seeks butt pats from you, it might also be her way of alleviating her discomfort, especially if she hasn't found a male partner for mating.
Your cat will be going into heat until she gets spayed or becomes pregnant, and this can happen as often as every 2 to 3 weeks.
The only assured method to prevent pregnancy and alleviate heat symptoms in your cat is by having her spayed. It’s never too late to spay a cat, just as long as she’s healthy, and your veterinarian approves it.
Should You Be Careful About Giving Butt Pats To Your Cat?
If you notice your cat enjoying butt pats, or even exposing this part of her body to give you a signal to pet her – there is nothing wrong with doing so! If your cat doesn’t enjoy something, she will simply walk away or stop you while doing it.
Therefore, you’ll easily notice if your cat enjoys butt pats. Of course, you should be gentle while doing this, since your cat is still a small and delicate animal.
This type of petting can be a great way for you and your cat to bond, and it should be an enjoyable experience for your furry friend, meaning that she shouldn’t feel any discomfort or pain.
So, you should only give butt pats to your cat if she approves it or if she asks for them.
Conclusion
Why do cats like butt pats?
There are several reasons for this, from enjoying getting attention from you to even trying to get some release while in heat.
Your cat might surprise you by enjoying some unexpected things, but, the most important thing here is to read her body language properly.
Be careful to respect your cat’s boundaries and be very gentle with petting her, especially with the most vulnerable parts of her body. There isn’t anything wrong with giving your cat butt pats if you notice her enjoying them, just be gentle and not pushy.
You might also like reading more about why cats like rubber bands and hair ties. See you there!
