They’re not showing the belly for you to rub it. They’re showing the belly because they’re happy and comfortable, and don’t feel a need to protect their vulnerable spots. If you’re molesting their belly out of nowhere, they’re going to feel betrayed and mess you up.

[–] Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world 15 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

That's how it is with the vast majority of cats, but some DO love a good belly rub!

Charlotte (pictured below) will climb onto my chest and plop onto her side to signal that it's time for belly scritches for the next hour or so, purring loudly until she's so blissful that she falls asleep and then again when she wakes up 😁🥰

[–] jabathekek@sopuli.xyz 7 points 5 days ago

I had two cats that had been living with two dogs for a couple years by then. The dogs would of course get belly rubs allll the tiimee, and I guess the cats seen this happening and learned from it. Thus, I was able to give belly rubs to my two cats IF AND ONLY IF they were already on their backs chillin'. Otherwise I would die.

[–] 5714@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 5 days ago

Begone vile human

[–] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 5 days ago

Belly rub hack: if your cat is being annoying and trying to get at something they’re not supposed to, it’s really easy to get away with grabbing and rubbing/jiggling their primordial pouch. The curiosity/naughtiness usually outweighs the flee/attack desire for much longer.

Not the exact same as a belly rub on their back of course, but I’VE GOT YOUR BELLY! I’VE GOT YOUR BELLY!!

[–] d00phy@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago

Except for that rare cat that loves them. I have two!