When Cats See You, They Roll On Their Backs

It’s one of the cutest things in the world to see your cat fall on their back for you, especially when you see them turn left and right while maintaining eye contact.
Something sinister is going on as they toss and turn, their fluffy belly jiggling teasingly. This behavior may surprise new cat owners or people who never imagined cats could be anything other than aloof and mysterious.

When they see you, cats roll on their backs

Our feline companions each have their own distinct characteristics, but certain behaviors are shared by most cats.
However, even if each kitty behaves similarly, the reasoning behind the same action may differ.

Reason 1: They’re Greeting You Different cats greet their owners in different ways when they return home or even when they wake up.

Some of you may feel your cat’s gentle touch against your leg, while others will simply meow to greet you, and still others will roll on their backs the moment you open your eyes or walk through the door.
When I return from the outside world, both of my cats usually greet me at the door, partly because they can’t wait to sniff my shoes (I know, gross!)
I think we can all agree that it’s a wonderful feeling to know that your kitty is the first creature to greet you when you walk through the door.

However, if they become clingy and begin following you around, even to the toilet, they may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Cats form attachment bonds with their owners, and studies show that these attachment bonds mirror the attachment styles seen in human infants and other animals such as dogs.
Independent cats are more secure in their owners, and while they will show their affection by rolling on their backs when they see you, they will not turn into your personal tail, as an insecure kitty would.

Reason number two: They want to be petted

My cats don’t usually flop down in front of me to greet me, but they will roll on their backs if they want lots of pets and belly rubs.
Most cat owners, I believe, have witnessed this adorable behavior during petting hours, and because it is so difficult to resist, we tend to only reinforce this belly reveal.
I should point out that not all cats enjoy belly rubs, and just because your cat is exposing their belly to you by rolling on their back doesn’t mean they want it touched.
While cats are skilled predators, they are also prey, and having someone else touch the most vulnerable area on their body can trigger their flight or fight response, according to cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett.
Because they are overstimulated by the petting, some cats may allow you to rub their belly for a few seconds before launching their claws and teeth into your arm.
If you want to be certain that your kitty is rolling on their back when they see you because they want to be petted, you must examine their overall body language.
If they are uneasy, they will point their ears backward and stare at you with their eyes wide open. This means you should step back and give them some space.
It’s also possible that your cat will roll on their back to be petted in places other than their belly, such as their back or under the chin.

Reason 3: They Want to Be Noticed

Another reason your cat may roll on their back when they see you is to get your attention rather than to be touched.
Cats, in fact, have devised various methods to persuade us to do things for them. The infamous “solicitation purr” is one of them.

It’s a low-pitched sound with a high-pitched signal that sounds like a cry or meow embedded within it.
“It’s this hidden signal that makes the purr of a hungry cat so irresistible to humans,” writes Karen McComb.
So, if your cat is rolling on the ground and making a solicitation purr, they are most likely attempting to get your attention in the form of treats!
This level of cuteness is difficult to ignore, and the more you give in and reward your cat whenever they roll on their back, the more they’ll do it!

Reason number four: They want to play

Similarly to how your cat enjoys rolling on his back to get all sorts of tasty treats or a good ear scratch, this behavior can be an invitation to play.
Most people think of dogs as the most playful pets, but my cats enjoy playing with toys or with me and will demand to be played with at least once a day.
Some cats will point to the toy to indicate that they want to play, while others will meow in another room and run away playfully when you approach them.
However, some cats are accustomed to a different type of interaction, and they will roll on their backs when they see you because they anticipate playing with your hand.
However, using your hand to play with your cat is not always a good idea. If your cat is used to wrestling with your hand, “aside from the risk of injury, it changes the tone from play to battle, where the cat views you as an opponent,” according to the cat behavior associates.

Reason Number 5: Your cat is in heat

If you recently adopted a young cat, you may have noticed them rolling on their back in front of you, which could indicate that they are in heat.
A Cambridge University study found that “females rolled mostly while they were in heat. Adult females almost exclusively rolled for adult males.”
Because rolling on their back is a mating behavior, your cat is most likely doing it to attract the attention of her potential suitors rather than yours.

Female cats become more affectionate during this time, and they may vocalize more and raise their buttocks while rolling around on you.
If you suspect that your cat is rolling on their back because they are in heat, consult your veterinarian about having them spayed.
If you’re not sure where to turn for assistance, use Pet Smart’s clinic locator to find a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in your area. Sometimes you can even get your cat spayed for free!

Is It An Indicator Of Submission?

While the world divides cats and dogs, I find many similarities between the two species, but I must admit that they have some behavioral differences. Dogs, for example, roll on their backs as a sign of submission. Cats, on the other hand, roll on their backs to attract attention rather than to show submission to humans.
However, according to Hilary Feldman’s Cambridge University study, “young males roll near adult males as a form of subordinate or submissive behavior.”
According to Feldman, this “phenomenon of passive submission” may be relevant for similar behavior between pet cats and their owners.
Dr. Sharon Crowell-Davis, DVM, on the other hand, suggests that “And some cats just seem to enjoy rolling around on their back. It’s a pleasant experience.”
I’m sure you’ll eventually learn to recognize your cat’s different moods when they roll on their back and act accordingly!

Final Thoughts

Of course, there are numerous explanations for why your cat rolls on their back, and many of them can be valid at the same time.
For me, a happy cat is one that is rolling on their back, and if they do it because they see us pass by, that means even more, and if I had to describe it in one word, it would be love!
Why does your cat roll on their back when you approach, and do you get to pet their belly as a result?

source https://babypetdaily.com/when-cats-see-you-they-roll-on-their-backs/