{"id":639476,"date":"2024-08-23T23:21:33","date_gmt":"2024-08-24T03:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=639476"},"modified":"2024-09-10T15:58:19","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T19:58:19","slug":"why-do-cats-show-you-their-butt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-behavior\/why-do-cats-show-you-their-butt\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Show You Their Butt? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although cats have lived with humans for millennia, they still do many things that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. One behavior that can surprise or shock new cat owners is a cat\u2019s tendency to show their butt when they start to feel comfortable around them.<\/p>\n

While this behavior may be strange to us, it\u2019s quite normal in cats.<\/strong> We can only guess why they do this based on what we already know about feline behavior. Here are six possible reasons your cat may show you their butt.<\/p>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

The 6 Reasons Why Cats Show You Their Butt<\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0 Greeting<\/h3>\n

Similar to dogs, cats can show each other their butts when they\u2019re greeting each other. They have glands near their butt that contain scent information. Cats also tend to have their tails pointing straight up to show that they\u2019re friendly. A relaxed loose body with attentive ears is the body language of a cat giving a greeting.<\/p>\n

\"cat-welcome-his-owner\"
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

2. Affection<\/h3>\n

While it may not be the most desirable action, cats can show their butt as a sign of affection. Cats often show affection to each other by rubbing their bodies against each other. They start with their head and end with their tail. Your cat will also rub against you if they like you. Since they start from head to tail, you\u2019ll usually end up with their butt facing you.<\/p>\n

\n

3. Nonthreatening Behavior<\/h3>\n

Another reason why cats will show their butts is to communicate that they\u2019re not a threat. They\u2019re letting you know that they mean no harm and have no intention of attacking you.<\/p>\n

In contrast, agitated or aggressive cats won\u2019t turn their backs towards you. They\u2019ll have a stiff posture, and their hair will be raised to make themselves look bigger. Some cats may crouch and flatten their ears. Cats can also vocalize their agitation by growling or yowling.<\/p>\n

\"Ginger
Image Credit: savitskaya iryna, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

4. Trust<\/h3>\n

Cats are observant and watchful. They won\u2019t turn their backs on people they\u2019re wary of or don\u2019t trust. Therefore, if your cat has their butt facing you while they\u2019re lounging or sleeping, it\u2019s a sign that they really trust you.<\/p>\n

Cats often show other signs that they trust you, but you won\u2019t really catch them unless you understand cat behavior. Some other strange but normal ways that cats show trust are if they start to follow you around everywhere, expose their bellies, or headbutt you.<\/p>\n

\n

5. Wanting Attention<\/h3>\n

Cats are experts at knowing how to get our attention<\/a>. Most cats like a good scratch above the tail so this could be what your cat is after when they show their butt.\u00a0 Alsoo, if you give a particularly strong response whenever your cat shows you their butt, they\u2019ll learn that it\u2019s an effective way to get your attention. Laughing, showing surprise, or even showing disgust are all ways you may be reinforcing this behavior. Therefore, if you want to see a decrease in this behavior, it\u2019s best not to make a big deal out of it or reward with a scratch.<\/p>\n

\"woman
Image Credit: Kseniya Lokon, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

6. Females in Heat<\/h3>\n

Female cats that are in heat may raise their butts to attract a mate. They can also flick their tails to signal to male cats that they\u2019re ready to mate. Other signs that a female cat is in heat<\/a> are increased loud vocalizations, rolling around the floor, and showing increased affection.<\/p>\n

Cats that are ready to mate are more susceptible to roaming. Therefore, it\u2019s important to keep a close eye on them and ensure all doors and windows are shut securely to prevent them from leaving their home.<\/p>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

Is It Okay if My Cat Shows Her Butt?<\/h2>\n

For the most part, your cat will be engaging in normal behavior if they show you their butt. Exposing their rear end isn\u2019t really a sign or symptom of a medical issue. However, if you\u2019re worried the best course of action is to discuss the behavior with a vet.<\/p>\n

Since showing their butt is often a sign of affection and trust, you don\u2019t really have to be concerned. However, if it\u2019s becoming too much, you can do some things to train your cat to engage in this behavior less frequently. For example, it\u2019s important to minimize your reaction so that your cat starts to learn that this behavior doesn\u2019t garner your attention. You can also redirect them to doing something else whenever they start to expose their rear end or sit on you. Some ways you can redirect them are to walk away or distract them with a toy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"cat
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

When a cat shows you their butt, they\u2019re usually letting you know that they like and trust you. They may also do this when they want to receive attention. In most cases, cats won\u2019t show their butt so frequently that it becomes bothersome, and it\u2019s something that cat owners get used to eventually. However, if it does become too disruptive, you can work on retraining and redirecting your cat to do something else to reduce the frequency of this behavior.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Sources<\/div>
\n