Have you ever wondered why your cat does that thing where they put their bum in the air? You know, that awkward pose where it looks like they’re trying to do a downward dog but fail miserably? You’re not alone. It’s a common behavior that has perplexed many cat owners. When you see your cat doing this, it could mean a few different things. Cats usually do this as a way to communicate with other cats or even humans. Understanding the meaning behind this will give you insights into what your feline friend is thinking and feeling.
So, why do cats put their bums in the air? This behavior is usually seen during playtime or when your cat feels safe and relaxed. This pose can also be used to initiate playtime with other pets or show trust and submission towards its’ owner. By paying attention to how your cat carries itself and what’s happening around them when they display this behavior, you’ll have an easier time understanding what they’re trying to say. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why cats exhibit this posture. Most of us find it so adorable yet perplexing at times.
Why is Your Cat Putting Her Bum in the Air?
When your cat displays its behind, you may wonder what in the world it means. But that’s just because we don’t understand like they do. Cats do this all the time. Here are some ways to explain this odd behavior:
- Display of Affection: Cats often exhibit this posture as a sign of trust and affection towards their owners.
- Heat Cycle: Female cats in heat will assume this position as a part of their natural mating behavior.
- Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands under their tails and may use this position to spread their scent.
- Seeking Attention: It can be a way for cats to get your attention for playtime or petting.
- Comfort and Stretching: Sometimes, cats simply enjoy a good stretch and find this position comfortable.
Cat Show of Affection
Cats aren’t as emotional as dogs when it comes to expressing love, but they find their own way around it. They’ll put their bum in the air but keep their head down and purr constantly. In doing so, cats expose their most vulnerable parts, which proves trust and lack of fear of harm from you. Think nuzzling or rubbing against your leg—it’s a way of saying, “I feel safe and happy with you.”
Heat Cycle
If your cat is unspayed and female, then a raised bum could very well signal she is going into estrus, aka heat. Raising her pelvis makes mating easier for her when the time comes. This position is usually accompanied by loud meowing (aka crying), increased affection (rubbing herself on things), and sometimes even spraying (yes, pee).
Marking Territory
Cats don’t just communicate through sounds like us; they also use scent glands located on different parts of their body, including under their tails! By raising their behinds in the air and rubbing themselves against objects (or you), they leave traces or “messages” from them to other cats who may cross paths later.
Begging For Attention
Your cat probably just wants affection! Putting its bum in the air while near you can be a playful way of asking for love or playtime.
Getting Comfy And Stretching
Stretching for cats is a must-do! We’ve all seen our feline friends wake up from a nap only to stretch half their body length away. The bum-in-the-air posture could be part of that full-body stretch feeling good, too! It helps maintain flexibility. It’s also a really comfortable position some cats prefer, especially if they’re about to nap again.
Final Words
In conclusion, cats do all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons. If they’re putting their rumps in the air, it could be a sign that they’re affectionate to you or maybe even in heat (yikes). Sometimes, it’s just a way to mark territory. Other times, they just want some attention. And sometimes, their bums are up in the air because they simply want to get a good stretch in. There’s no telling what goes on in your cat’s head! But if you care enough about them as is and take the time to understand them better, these little quirks shouldn’t get in the way of that — at least, I hope so!