- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Of the many quirks cats have, one of the most attention-grabbing ones is when they flop to the floor and roll around on their backs like crazy, sometimes meowing to themselves. It might make you suspect they’ve been hitting the catnip too hard!
Holistic veterinarian Dr. Candy Akers says rolling around is a natural and normal cat behavior. It’s a way they express themselves through body language, like how they use their tails and ears to show their mood. Cats rolling around on their backs isn’t an invitation for a belly rub but has multiple possible causes, from displays of emotion to reactions to their environment to an indication of illness.
Discover why cats love rolling around and when this behavior might mean a trip to the vet.
Why Do Cats Roll Around?
1. It’s in their genes
Dr. Akers says breed may affect how much cats roll around. Cat breeds that are more relaxed, trusting, and friendly around people, like Scottish Folds and Ragdolls, could be more likely to roll around than other cats because they’re okay with putting themselves in vulnerable positions.
2. They’re in heat, or they’ve recently mated
Dr. Akers says it’s common for unspayed female cats between six and twelve months to roll around more than usual when in heat and after mating.
Fueled by hormones and ovulation, this type of rolling around is erratic and vigorous and is often accompanied by loud vocalizations, spraying, and increased demands for affection/attention. Dr. Akers says feline biologists hypothesize that the intensity of this rolling behavior after they’ve mated might help the sperm quickly fertilize the eggs.
3. They’re being territorial
Cats have scent glands on their faces, paws, tails, and other parts of their bodies. Some experts believe cats roll around to leave their mark on areas they consider theirs. Age is also a factor, and younger cats, especially males, roll around more frequently around older cats as a form of subordinate behavior.
4. It’s fun
Rolling on the ground is often fun for cats. The tactile stimulation from rolling and the opportunities to massage their backs and stretch their muscles are pleasurable. Pay attention to your cat’s other behaviors, like if they’re lying in the sun, have a relaxed expression on their face, and lean into your hand for a chin rub. In these cases, rolling around can be how your cat has fun and expresses happiness.
5. They want to play
Cats aren’t shy about jumping or, in this case, rolling into playtime. Sometimes, this is a reaction to catnip or silvervine stuffed toys. The natural nepetalactone chemicals in catnip mimic pheromones and can send your cat into a blissful or buzzed state. Catnip-induced rolling is ecstatic and includes face-rubbing and body-rolling their toy. Other times, rolling around signals to human and feline family members alike that your cat or kitten is ready to play.
6. It’s a reaction to their environment or pests
Weather and environmental factors can also trigger rolling behavior in cats. Cats’ natural body temperatures can run as high as 102.5°F, so a scorching hot summer day could send your cat rolling in shady patches of grass and dirt to help cool off and lower their body temperatures. Dr. Akers says external parasites like fleas or lice can also lead to irritated fur and skin that cats try to soothe by rolling.
7. It’s a side effect of medications or indicates an illness
While flea, tick, and ringworm medications are essential, they can sometimes be harsh on your cat’s skin. Sulfur dips for ringworm and traditional flea dips can also hurt the afflicted cat’s skin and burn. Rolling behavior can be a reaction to the pain and an attempt to ease the discomfort.
Additionally, Dr. Akers says illnesses and conditions with rolling around as a symptom include the following.
- Hormonal imbalances
- Urinary tract infections and inflammation
- Bladder stones
- Digestive problems
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Do Cats Want Belly Rubs If They Roll Around?
“When cats are in a state of complete relaxation, they might expose their belly as part of rolling over on their back,” says Allison Hunter-Frederick, IAABC Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and Trainer and founder of Allison Helps Cats.
Unlike dogs, Hunter-Frederick says when cats roll over, it’s not an open invitation to give them a belly rub, and many cats instinctively lash out by biting or scratching. It’s a defensive reaction they inherited from their wild ancestors since their stomachs are their most vulnerable area and where their vital organs are.
Do I Need To See A Vet If My Cat Rolls Around?
Dr. Akers says cat pets should look out for red flag behaviors if their cat is rolling around more than usual. When combined with an increase in rolling, the following behaviors may indicate a medical problem, including nerve damage or pruritus.
- Yowling or crying
- Bleeding
- Straining in the litter box
- Constipation
- Peeing less
- Loss of appetite
Dr. Akers says nerve damage can be painful and confusing for cats because their bodies feel like they’re being pricked with pins and needles or suffering from electric shocks. The rolling behavior, especially combined with yowling or crying vocalizations, can indicate that they’re in pain and trying to make those feelings disappear.
Additionally, Dr. Akers says pruritus is a physiological response to histamines. Histamines are chemicals naturally found in cats’ immune systems, creating the sensation of itchiness. Many cats try to scratch and soothe the itchiness by rolling around, especially on carpets. Pruritus could be related to diet, food sensitivities, allergies, poor grooming, severely matted fur, and fungal infections. To indicate these conditions, look out for symptoms like redness, bald patches, and scabs.
In short, be aware of your cat’s body language, use your environment for context to better understand what’s triggering their rolling, and take them to the vet if necessary.