Want to know my most frequently asked questions as a therapy cat? When someone comes up to me and I raise my back, they ask, “Why did he do that?!” This is always a sign of someone who isn’t too close to cats because if they are, they know an elevator butt when they see one.
But even many experienced cat lovers don’t quite know why we kitties raise our bottoms when our backs are patted. They just do it because we want it. At least sometimes we will turn our backs and bite the hand that also takes care of us. So let me tell you a little bit about how us cats really feel about bum pats so you can have more fun and less bites.
Why Cats Love Butt Pats
Being patted at the base of the tail feels good
I know, it’s kind of a “duh!” answer, but it is true. The area around the base of the cat’s tail is full of feel-good nerve endings. It’s a hit of dopamine and oxytocin, and who doesn’t love that? This is similar to tapotement, that type of massage that involves tapping and stroking.
It’s quite sexual
Don’t worry, I won’t get too X rate here. Suffice it to say that these nerve endings also play a role in cat mating activities. And even though most cats you encounter are spayed or neutered, that doesn’t involve removing or desensitizing those nerve endings. So even though the purpose behind that part is gone, the pleasurable feeling remains.
It can also stimulate the glands near this part of the cat’s anatomy
Glands play a big part in a cat’s health, especially the glands around their back. In fact, this article explains that butt patting can help your cat stay regular, if you catch my drift.
Receiving butt pats is a sign of trust
When a cat raises their bottom for a pat, they are exposing a vulnerable part of their body. And the fact that they let you have physical contact with it means a lot!
But what about the elevator butt?
This is a natural response to butt patting! Additionally, it helps bring all the important nerve endings closer to the tapping hand. It’s definitely a sign of approval, so all those worried hospital patients I mentioned at the beginning have nothing to worry about.
But Not All Cats Enjoy Butt Pats
Because of all the nerves in this area, bump pats can be too stimulating for some cats. They will slap or bite your hand to make you stop. It usually ends there, but a small number of cats can become more aggressive. With that in mind, here are some tips on butt pats and how (and when) to do them.
Only offer butt pats to cats you know
As I mentioned above, allowing pats on the butt, and even asking for them, is a big sign of trust on behalf of the cat. They are often best enjoyed between a cat and a person who already know each other. (I know, I know, I break that rule every time I go to a cat therapy visit, but I’m the exception to the rule.)
Start slow and gentle, and let the cat lead you
Don’t come in, patting your cat on the back. Start with gentle strokes, and maybe a few strokes at the base of the tail. If the cat responds positively (standing still on the tip of his toes, raising his back), you can continue. You can also continue to pat, if the cat seems like they want you to be firmer.
Know when to stop
Cats will give you signals that they don’t want their bottoms patted, or if they’re enjoying it, that they want you to stop. They will depart from your hand. They swish their tails. If they are a vocal type, their meows may become louder or deeper. The signs are pretty obvious if you know to look for them. A cat that violently wags their tail is definitely telling you it’s time to end the session!
When the cat strokes or slaps you
Obviously, if a cat angrily bites or takes a swing at you, stop immediately. But also think about what they were doing leading up to that. They will give you hints that they are done before they react. So live and learn.
Never keep patting the cat’s rear after they signal that they don’t like it anymore. It’s not cute for a cat to act. It’s stressful for them. They trusted you with a delicate part of their anatomy and you abused that trust. Better to stop while you’re both good.
I hope I answered some of your questions about bum pats and elevator butts! Anything else to add? Let me know in the comments.
