Why Do Cats Show Us Their Butts?

Cats are playful animals, and most of them enjoy socializing with humans. Some may be less sociable, but even they have subtle ways of expressing their feelings.

Although cats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, they still exhibit many behaviors that can puzzle or amuse us. One such behavior is when cats show their butt. While this may seem odd or even inappropriate to us, for our feline friends, it’s completely normal.

It may be strange to us, but it's completely natural behavior for them

Here are six possible reasons why a cat might be showing you its butt

1.) Greeting

Just like dogs, cats also greet each other by showing and sniffing each other's rear ends. There are scent glands under the skin around their anus that carry important olfactory information. When a cat wants to communicate friendliness toward a human or another cat, it typically holds its tail straight up. A relaxed body posture, along with ears that are facing forward, also signals a friendly greeting.

2.) Affection

Although it might not be the most desirable display of love, cats can express their affection by showing their rear ends. If your furry companion rubs its body against you, starting with its head and finishing with its hindquarters, it’s a sign of trust and affection. Since they rub themselves from head to tail, their butt ultimately ends up in your view.

"I'm not a threat" – says the cat with showing its bottom

3.) "I’m Not a Threat" Signal

Cats may also present their rear ends as a way of communicating that they mean no harm. This gesture signals that they don’t intend to attack or act aggressively. An anxious or aggressive cat, on the other hand, would never turn its back; instead, it would maintain a rigid posture, puff up its fur to appear larger, or crouch with flattened ears while hissing or growling.

4.) Trust

Cats are naturally cautious creatures and won’t show their rear ends unless they trust you or another cat. However, trust manifests in other ways too. If your cat truly trusts you, it might follow you around, sleep nearby on its back, or rub against you and lick you affectionately.

Revealing the butt can also be a sign of trust

5.) Seeking Attention

Cats are masters at grabbing our attention. If your cat notices that you react intensely—by smiling, talking, or petting it—whenever it presents its rear, it may learn that this behavior is an effective way to get your attention. If you’d like to reduce this behavior, the best approach is to avoid making a fuss over it and not reinforce it with affection or baby talk.

6.) A Common Behavior in Cats in Heat

Female cats in heat often display this behavior to attract mates. They lift their tails high, push their rear ends outward, and sometimes crawl in a crouched position. This is often accompanied by loud meowing, rolling around, and rubbing against objects or people. They also tend to become much more affectionate and seek physical contact.

Cats in heat are more likely to wander off in search of a mate, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them and ensure all doors and windows are securely closed. However, the best solution is to have them spayed!

Neutering has many health benefits

Spaying and Neutering Have Numerous Health Benefits

In most cases, showing the rear end is completely normal feline behavior. However, if your cat’s hindquarters appear red, irritated, bleeding, or leaking fluids, take them to the vet immediately!