Feline Frisky? 10 Surprising Reasons Why Cats Roll Around
If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably seen your feline friend roll around on the ground at some point.
Dirt, concrete, carpet, tile, sand, snow…the surface doesn’t even seem to matter. But why does she do it?
Is she simply enjoying a relaxing stretch, or is there more to it?
The truth is, cats roll around for a variety of reasons.
And as with most things cats do, the behavior can mean different things depending on how they feel at the time, as well as the specific context.
So let’s look at some of the most common reasons why cats roll around so we can better understand what it’s all about.
Why Do Cats Roll Around?
#1. Scent Marking
Scent is an essential part of communication for cats, and they rely on scent marking to communicate messages to their fellow felines.
In the wild, big cats like lions and tigers roll around on the ground to leave their scent behind and show other big kitties whose territory it is.
So rolling around may simply be a leftover, instinctive behavior from our domestic cats’ wild feline ancestors.
Our pet cats have scent glands all over their bodies, including the chin, base of the ears, forehead, cheeks, base of the tail, rear, back, and between the toes.
And just like with the big cats, excessive rolling behavior can be a highly effective way for them to leave scent markers.
This helps them mark their territory and lets other cats know they are there.
#2. Stretching Out
Just like humans, cats need to give their muscles a good stretch to keep them healthy and prevent injury, so they sometimes roll around to stretch out their limbs, neck, and torso.
Cats are also natural hunters and require agility and flexibility for hunting and jumping.
Rolling around can help them stay limber and ready for the next opportunity to pounce on their prey, whether it’s a toy mouse or a fly buzzing around the room.
It can also help them loosen up after a nap or a long period of inactivity.
#3. Feeling Playful
Some cats may roll around when they are in a playful mood.
The behavior is often seen in kittens as a way to incite another cat to join in, but adult cats may do it too.
I have often seen our rescue tabby cat Kasper rolling around half-heartedly batting at a toy, but if it moves beyond his reach he doesn’t bother to get up.
He is quite happy if I throw it back to him though. He just doesn’t want to make much of an effort!
#4. Feeling Relaxed
When cats are content, they’ll often engage in self-grooming behaviors or stretch out in a sunbeam with their eyes closed.
But sometimes, they need to express their joy a little more intensely – and that’s when they start rolling around.
Just like how we humans stretch and twist our bodies when we wake up or are feeling comfortable, cats do the same.
Rolling around can be a way for them to destress and show they are happy and relaxed in their environment.
They may also roll around on soft surfaces like carpets or blankets when they are feeling extra chill.
I have seen this many times in our cats when they are on the bed at night hogging all the space.
They especially like it if they can stretch out and prop themselves against your leg, rolling around as they get more and more cozy, and more and more relaxed.
#5. Feeling Social
Sometimes, cats roll around when they are feeling friendly and social.
So if your furry friend rolls on her back in front of you, she may just be looking for attention or for you to play a game with her.
If she’s anything like our Jasmine, she’ll be rubbing her head along the ground too. That’ll be those scent glands on the face and base of the tail in action once again.
A note of caution though, this isn’t necessarily an invitation for a belly rub!
I’ll get into that in just a moment (See Preferred Petting Zones).
#6. Catnip Euphoria
Catnip is a herb that contains a compound called nepetalactone, which can induce a euphoric response in cats.
This response can include rolling around, rubbing against objects, and even vocalizing.
A catnip toy can provide hours of entertainment for your cat and help them release pent-up energy.
Bonus tip: Catnip is a great way to get your cat to use her scratch post instead of the furniture. Just spread some of the magic herb around the base of the scratch post and kitty will do the rest!
#7. Itchy Back?
Rolling around is a perfect way for cats to scratch an itch.
The rolling motion can help cats access itchy backs and all those other hard-to-reach areas so they can relieve any discomfort.
A kind of cat dust bathing if you will.
In the same way, cats often roll around on their backs as a way to get rid of loose skin or fur.
If you notice your cat is rolling around more than usual, it may be a sign of fleas, ticks, or other pests.
If you suspect this might be the case, it’s best to speak to your vet and take action quickly to prevent an infestation.
#8. Feeling Hot
Cats often roll around on hard surfaces or in the dirt on hot summer days as a way to cool off.
The top layer of dirt can be significantly cooler than the air temperature, providing a refreshing break from the heat on those hot days.
Rolling around can also help to disperse heat from your cat’s body, providing a natural cooling mechanism.
Cats are not as efficient as humans when it comes to cooling their body temperature.
Not only that, but they have a higher body temperature than humans to start with.
In case you are wondering, the average kitty temperature runs between 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-38.9°C) compared to 98.6°F (37°C) in humans.
#9. Health Reasons
Rolling around can also be an indicator of a cat’s overall well-being.
As I’ve mentioned, cats with allergies, skin problems, or fleas may roll around to try and alleviate any itching or discomfort they’re experiencing.
Similarly, if your cat rolls around excessively or in a way that seems unusual, it may be a sign she is in pain and is trying to “roll” the pain away or massage sore spots.
#10. Mating Behavior
Female cats in heat sometimes roll around and rub against things to remove the scent of a male cat before potentially moving on to another male cat.
In this case, the behavior is related to hormones and ovulation.
Adult males may also roll around and spread their scent to attract potential mates.
Environmental Factors
While rolling around can be a fun and natural behavior for cats, there are some potential dangers to be aware of, especially for outdoor cats.
Chemicals
Weed killers and other chemicals used in gardens and outdoor spaces can be toxic to cats, so it’s essential to keep your cat away from treated areas.
Parasites
Small parasites and other hazards can also be present in outdoor spaces.
I find that in the summer, ticks seem to appear from nowhere. I have to be extremely vigilant to check our cats’ fur and remove any unwanted guests before they get too established.
Cat Health
Obviously, we cat owners need to keep an eye on our cats’ health, and rolling behavior can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Here are some common health issues that can cause excessive rolling behavior:
- Skin irritation: Cats can develop skin irritation due to allergies, parasites, or fungal infections. Itchy skin can cause cats to roll around excessively to try and relieve the itchiness. Keep an eye out for any signs of redness, bumps, or scabs on your cat’s skin.
- Hair loss: Hair loss can also be a sign of skin irritation or other health issues such as hormonal imbalances or stress. If your cat is rolling around excessively and you notice bald patches, it is time for a check-up at the vet’s office.
- Digestive problems: Cats who have issues with their digestive system such as constipation or diarrhea may also roll around excessively. If you notice any changes in your cat’s litter box habits or appetite, again, it’s important to take her to the vet for a check-up.
Interacting With Your Cat During Rolling Behavior
When your feline companion rolls over on her back and exposes her belly, it’s a vulnerable position for her and a sign she feels safe and secure with you.
However, it’s important to respect her trust by not doing anything that could make her feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Preferred Petting Zones
Cats have sensitive areas of their bodies and they don’t always appreciate being touched in those places.
According to research, cats like it best when people pet them on the cheek area and least when they pet them on the tail.
The chin and lip areas come somewhere in between.
Areas such as the base of the cat’s tail, paws, sides, and inner thighs are often ‘off limits,’ while the chest and belly are ‘maybes,’ or ‘maybes sometimes onlies.’ (Ellis et al., 2015).
It all depends largely on who’s doing the petting and how the cat feels.
Cats are often protective of their bellies, and many will prefer to be petted elsewhere – even if they are lying on their back exposing their stomach.
Belly Rubs
While some pet cats may enjoy tummy rubs, many do not.
Personally, I do not give any of my cats belly rubs because I know they won’t tolerate it – even for a second.
Instead, I focus on petting them in their preferred areas so they can feel relaxed and comfortable.
“Rolling on the back can be a friendly signal, and especially if the claws are extended, an invitation to play,” says Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Trudi Atkinson.
“However, it is very important to be aware that this is not a request by the cat to have its ‘tummy rubbed’.
“Attempting to do so can result in a predatory or defensive reaction and clawed and bitten fingers.”
How Do I Know When My Cat Has Had Enough?
Even if your cat does like belly rubs or tummy tickles, it’s important to pay attention to her body language to understand when she is getting irritated or has had enough.
Ideally, you will stop well below she gets to this point.
The goal is always to keep our feline friends under threshold emotionally so they do not feel forced to resort to scratching – or even biting – to make us stop.
For example, your cat may initially be enjoying a belly rub but after a while, she is done.
She may stop purring. If you still don’t get the message, she might start meowing or even growling.
At the same time, tail movements such as lashing, thumping, swishing, or flicking (either slow or fast) are all signs of discomfort, as are flattened ears and stiffened muscles.
To avoid upsetting your kitty any further (and any potential damage to your hand!), be sure to slowly withdraw your hand and stop petting if you see any of these signs.
Before You Go
As I said at the beginning of this article, cats do what they do for a reason.
There are usually various reasons for any cat behavior, and rolling around is no exception.
Want to learn more about your cat’s behavior and the importance of scent in a cat’s world?
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Resources
- Cat Communication – Trudi Atkinson
- Do Cats Get Hot & How Hot Is Too Hot? – BondVet
- Felines, Pheromones, and Claws – Cat Care Center of Baton Rouge
- The influence of body region, handler familiarity and order of region handled on the domestic cat’s response to being stroked – Sarah Ellis, Hannah Thompson, Cristina Guijarro, & Helen Zulch
