![]() While the prospect of a grooming request sounds like the most bizarre explanation, this one takes the cake. Yes, your cat is indirectly asking you to clean her butt on her behalf. Do you see where this one is going? The resulting raised behind could be an awkward case of miscommunication.Īs the “surrogate” parent to your beloved kitty, your cat’s unusual response to tail scratches could be a request for undercarriage grooming. No matter how old your cat is, these tail scratching sessions might remind her of early kittenhood alongside her mom and littermates. To stimulate bowel movements by licking the anal area.To experience a full-body cleanse (clean up the dirt and grime after a long day).Kittens learn to raise their butts high into the air to give mom unobstructed access to their nether regions for two critical reasons: A curious kitten will follow her mother everywhere and quickly pick up on essential daily cues (i.e., where to sleep, when it’s time to eat, and how to groom). The first four months of your kitten’s life are both hectic and filled with growing self-reliance. There’s nothing like a little teamwork to spread your kitty’s pheromones far and wide. Instead of rubbing her butt against you the way she does when you come home from work, you’re doing the “dirty work” for her. Your cat is pressing her butt against you and raising her back to give you better access to the scent gland near her tail. These sebaceous glands (and the pheromones they release) are the reason your cat rubs her cheek on yours and kneads on the couch - they send the signal that this object or place is your cat’s “property.”īy initiating these above-tail massages, you’re taking this scent-spreading ritual into your own hands. Spreading Their Scent (With Your Help)Ĭats have tons of scent glands all over their bodies, from between their toes and the corners of their mouths to the tops of their foreheads and bases of their tails. The resulting raised butt and ear-piercing meows could translate to, “Hey, that tickles!” or, “Ouch, that hurts!” Sudden irritation or even biting can be a sign of petting-induced aggression in tightly-wound felines. Long or aggressive scratches can trigger a pain or stress response in these sensitive nerve receptors. While the line between relaxation and angst is undoubtedly thin and easy to miss, the explanation is quite simple.Ī cat’s tail is a 12″ (30.5-cm) extension of its highly-sensitive nervous system (spine), plotting tons of nerve endings in one small cluster near the tail’s base. Yet, the soft tickle can quickly turn into wildly irritating overstimulation. Many cats enjoy gentle strokes above the tail while lulling themselves to sleep or cuddling with their favorite human on the sofa. Let’s review why these innocent petting sessions make your cat so furious, excited, and responsive. The exaggerated, full-body contortion stemming from tail base scratches are no different. For example, cats knock items from a countertop to mimic a “hunt” and cover empty food bowls to fend off scavengers. The domestic cat’s butt scratch reflex may seem absurd at first glance, but is it a natural response across the entire feline kingdom? The surprising answer lies in this video:Įven the quirkiest feline habits have a valid explanation. The correct answer will depend on your cat’s personality, nerve sensitivity, and territorial instincts. Is the raised butt a good sign? Should you scratch harder or stop entirely? Are you toeing the line between friendly and aggressive? A rippling appearance beneath the skin of the backĮven those who “translate” cat language quite well will struggle to understand this indecipherable code.Impulsively “licking” at the air or scratching her side.Turning back to bite or nibble your hand.Raising their butt upward (also known as “elevator butt”).Long, drawn-out, high-pitched vocalizations.This “weird” response could range from mild to attention-grabbing, including: Yet, this soothing reaction takes an unexpected detour as soon as the tail base becomes your prime target. Gentle scratches along the ears and chin (the “ safe zones“) can evolve into a rumbling purr and overpowering sleepy spell. As finicky and aloof as they might be, cats crave physical affection.
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