# Why does my cat flop to the ground on seeing me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 22, 2007, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968 "2007-06-22T06:58:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Promethea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Promethea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Promethea)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/1 "2007-06-22T06:58:40Z")
Is it submission? Desire to have her tummy rubbed? (I don’t think so with this one - attempts to do this often earn an irritated swipe) Or just a cat way of saying hi? [Kitty in question](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/crobster/carolinekittyfox001.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/2 "2007-06-22T07:04:34Z")
Mine does this too. It’s like she just suddenly goes limp. Yeah, so answer the OP’s question. -FrL- ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/3 "2007-06-22T07:06:34Z")
My parent’s cat does as well. In his case, it’s because he loves being scratched (roughly, even) on his side. He gets so into it, he’ll start crawling his way across the carpet, while still on his side. It’s hilarious. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/4 "2007-06-22T09:12:07Z")
Cats are, science tells us, in league with the Devil. This one is obviously trying to devour your soul. ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/5 "2007-06-22T09:36:31Z")
Is it a sign of submission? “Here’s my belly, I couldn’t possibly mean you any harm!” ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/6 "2007-06-22T10:01:53Z")
I dunno, when we brought a kitten home as company for an older male cat, her response whenever he approached was to flip over in about 1.2 microseconds because this allowed her to use all four paws (and attached claws) in defense. Perhaps the cat sees you as a huge potential attacker and is getting into the optimal defensive position. Or he just wants a tummy rub. ---
**Author:** ![Trisha\_McMillan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@Trisha\_McMillan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trisha_McMillan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/7 "2007-06-22T10:02:41Z")
[QUOTE=Promethea] Is it submission? Desire to have her tummy rubbed? (I don’t think so with this one - attempts to do this often earn an irritated swipe) Or just a cat way of saying hi? [/QUOTE] My little monkey does this as well (ok she’s a cat, we just call her monkey), and gets equally swipey when rubbed on the lower tummy, she seems to do this as a reflex when ever she’s touched there, so I think it may just be quite a sensitive area. I’ve always felt it was her way to greet me when she was feeling a tad pathetic and lazy, makes us come to them rather than them do the work. It’s quite successful too as neither I nor the boy can resist a prone kitty. This site seems to agree with me: cite And **Promethea** , is she a Burmese, she looks very similar to my little one?? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/8 "2007-06-22T11:26:05Z")
It is a invitation to play, either for petting or play fighting. From watching kittens the one on the ground is the one in defensive attack mode, able to bring 4 claws and one set of jaws to bear on the attacker, while the attacker must use at least 2 paws for locomotion to make up the final distance between them and to start the attack. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/9 "2007-06-22T13:24:49Z")
Our little orange guy does this all the time to us to have his belly rubbed. He does it to the other cat when they’re wrestling so he can pretend to disembowel him. In other words, either to allow you to pleasure him or to disembowel you. You pays your money, you takes your chances. ---
**Author:** ![chowder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/10 "2007-06-22T14:32:24Z")
Fear, pure unadultered fear ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/11 "2007-06-22T14:36:04Z")
[QUOTE=Pushkin] Is it a sign of submission? “Here’s my belly, I couldn’t possibly mean you any harm!” [/QUOTE] For cats, “belly up” is the attack position; its the only position where they can use all their weapons at once. Exposing its belly is not a submissive posture in a cat, its an agressive (or playful) one, in stark contrast to the behavior of a dog. Now, my cat used to go “flop” when I would head out the door, but it was because he knew that by being irresistably cute I would pause on my way out to pet him. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Barrington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Barrington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barrington)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/12 "2007-06-22T15:50:55Z")
One of my ex’s cats does the “tickle my tummy” thing, but the odd thing is, she only does it outdoors. I’ve never seen her roll on her back indoors, yet every time I meet her in the garden, over she goes. I’ve never understood that. Sorry, no pics at the moment. ---
**Author:** ![Promethea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Promethea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Promethea)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/13 "2007-06-22T17:10:01Z")
[QUOTE=Trisha McMillan] And **Promethea** , is she a Burmese, she looks very similar to my little one?? 🙂 [/QUOTE] Nope, she’s a black moggy born of a ginger/ white stripey mum and unknown Dad. I Burmese cats though - any pics of yours? ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/14 "2007-06-22T17:47:36Z")
We think it’s submission. Our little Hestia does this when our old, crotchety Midnight passes by and hisses at her. She does NOT do it when she wants to play, as she often does with Clarence. All respect to **hello again** , but I don’t believe that “cat on back” is in attack position. Cats DO attack with both front paws (pulling in) and back paws {kicking out, an active scratching and potentially disemboweliung move), but this also exposes their vulnerable bellies, and I’ve never seen an alert and hostile cat do it – they stay upright, backs raised, hair all puffed out (to make themselves seem larger), ears back (out of danger), and alert, always facing the danger spot. A cat on its vack is putting itself in a very vulnerable position, and is signifying submission and/or asking for a belly rub. ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/15 "2007-06-22T18:17:25Z")
[QUOTE=CalMeacham] We think it’s submission. Our little Hestia does this when our old, crotchety Midnight passes by and hisses at her. She does NOT do it when she wants to play, as she often does with Clarence. All respect to **hello again** , but I don’t believe that “cat on back” is in attack position. Cats DO attack with both front paws (pulling in) and back paws {kicking out, an active scratching and potentially disemboweliung move), but this also exposes their vulnerable bellies, and I’ve never seen an alert and hostile cat do it – they stay upright, backs raised, hair all puffed out (to make themselves seem larger), ears back (out of danger), and alert, always facing the danger spot. A cat on its vack is putting itself in a very vulnerable position, and is signifying submission and/or asking for a belly rub. [/QUOTE] This is what my understanding has always been. However there’s also a little trigger that goes off at some point where “soft tummy getting rubbed = kitty about to get stomach attacked” and the cat will go from lying there purring happily away to suddenly latching on to your hand and scratching/biting. It’s an instinctive reaction to the position; exactly how much a given cat will let you get away with is up to the individual. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/16 "2007-06-22T18:26:31Z")
[http://www.catcaresociety.org/social.html](http://www.catcaresociety.org/social.html) Read down to “Defensive aggression.” I may have overstated the extent to which this is a purely agressive posture, but it is NOT a submissive posture. I have two cats that fight all the time\* and I am frequent witness to the behavior; cats will get to their sides, legs contracted (what we call “chambered” in Karate class!) prepared to fire on all cylinders. \*both fixed, one male, one female, both are known to instigate; the male is front-declawed. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/17 "2007-06-22T18:38:22Z")
From your cite: > [@](#): > > Defensive postures include crouching with the legs pulled in under the body, laying the ears back, tucking the tail, and possibly rolling slightly to the side. This is not the same as the submissive postures dogs show in that it will not “turn off” an attack from another cat. Continuing to approach a cat who is in this posture will likely precipitate an attack. Sounds like what I described above, and not at all like a cat lying on the ground, belly up and all legs spread. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/18 "2007-06-22T18:41:11Z")
And from this site: [http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats/0,,mj2z,00.html](http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats/0,,mj2z,00.html) > [@](#): > > ## What is my cat thinking when he exposes his belly to me? > > Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat, says: > The message a cat is conveying is based on specific circumstances. > For example: > • A relaxed cat will often stretch out onto her back and expose her tummy. This is the ultimate in relaxation and also indicates that the cat is totally secure in her surroundings. > > • A cat will sometimes expose her stomach to an owner or a higher-ranking cat when confused about which direction the relationship is going. She is not really afraid enough to turn and run, but she’s also not sure whether she will need to defend herself. > > • A cat will expose her tummy to an owner when she isn’t sure whether she wants to play or be affectionate. > > • When confronted by an opponent, a cat will expose her belly as an indication that she doesn’t want to initiate battle but will fight if the opponent decides to attack. This is an important signal because it gives the offensive cat the opportunity to back off. It isn’t a submissive posture the way it is in canines, but it does indicate a reluctance to actively engage in confrontation. > > • **If a cat is in battle and there is no means of escape, she will roll onto her back in order to fully engage all of her weapons.** > > Every cat is an individual, and they use their methods of communication in slightly different ways. One cat may expose her belly to her owner or a companion cat when she wants to engage in play but isn’t sure if the situation is appropriate. Other cats develop the habit of exposing the tummy after being trained by owners that this gets a positive response. Some cats are just not as sensitive about their tummies and will even allow petting. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that when a cat does expose her stomach, it’s not a good idea to pet her there because it could trigger the defensive response. > > Best, > Pam Johnson-Bennett Bolding mine – notice that only after battle is engaged will the cat roll onto its back as a defensive move. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/19 "2007-06-22T18:47:47Z")
We may be talking at cross purposes. There are many positions a cat can take which include lying comfortably on its back “airing out the belly” as we call it. My point is only that such posture is not _inherently_ submissive, as it is in dogs, and probably not submissive at all. As your cite notes, moving to the side or back is not intended as a submissive posture that thwarts an attack. My cite also notes that cats do not form firm hierarchies of dominance/submission. A better description of what I was imagining is in the “intermale aggression” section, actually (emphasis added): _If an attack occurs, the attacker will usually jump forward, directing a bite to the nape of the neck, while **the opponent falls to the ground on his back and attempts to bite and scratch the attacker’s belly with his hind legs** _. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2007, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968/20 "2007-06-22T19:03:32Z")
> [@valgard](#): > > cat will go from lying there purring happily away to suddenly latching on to your hand and scratching/biting My mom’s cat (well, actually she is _my_ cat, but I didn’t have the heart to take her with me when I moved out, since she has acreage to run around on) does the same thing, but the scratching/biting thing is her being playful (she’s gentle). Another sign of playfulness is when she bats her tail around, like she’s using it as a lure to catch bait. My suggestion, when your cat flops, would be to get down on all fours and start stalking your cat. If she’s like mine, you’ll get a lively game of hide-and-go-seek out of it (I usually win). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-flop-to-the-ground-on-seeing-me/408968.md?page=2)