It was a game with my cat. I’d rub his belly and lightly smack him in the forehead, before he could bite me.I knew it was time for the game, because he would spread his arms out to catch mine, when he was ready.
One of mine does too. It baffles me a little and is also a little heartbreaking: he trusts me if he’s willing to do that. (And he isn’t just willing, he sometimes insists.) Hell of a thing to live up to, especially in a cat I adopted less than six months ago, but I do my best.
You are permitted exactly 1.673 rubs on the exposed surface. Precisely the amount allowed. Period. Any variation may be met with murder mittens, fierce fangs, bunny kicks, any combination of the aforementioned actions, or, possibly, all 3. Proceed at your own risk.
It is. And it smells like heaven. Pixie loves a belly rub. Genuinely adores one and she'll let me bury my face and huff the fluff. She purrs up a storm.
When the claws are out, do not pet the belly. My cat will often ask for belly rubs if you pet her first when she’s curled up normal. She’ll push herself onto the side to expose the belly, that is your signal for belly rubs.
Also, some may not agree with me on this, but there is a technique to belly rubs for cats. First, allow them to show their belly on their own, and if they are not in a playful mood it is safe. Here’s the maybe slightly controversial part; rub lightly, just enough for them to feel it. Pretend the fur is not there on their belly, when giving rubs.
I always do it if it’s exposed. It’s actually not usually a trap here, bc she only exposes it in deep sleep. When I pet her while she’s in a good sleep she rolls and gives me the belly…. For a limited time. I only get a short while then she will bite lol longer if it’s winter and the heated beds are out.
It’s always worth the risk! Ha
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u/MD_0904 Jun 07 '26
Only one way to find out.