Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Cat communication - rolling over
A cat rolling over has two possible meanings. It can be a defense mechanism if the cat is being attacked. First of all the cat crouches down so that his body is parallel to the floor - his ears are laid back and his hair is on end. If the cat is cornered he might roll over so that the teeth and all sets of claws are available for counter- attack.
However, a relaxed cat will roll over too. When you approach him he will often roll over to show he is pleased to see you, and stretch out his front paws, or one paw, as a greeting ritual. This position is ambivalent and is still part of his defense mechanism. You can see this if you stroke his belly. At first he will purr and show his pleasure but often he will then swat you to show he has had enough.
However, a relaxed cat will roll over too. When you approach him he will often roll over to show he is pleased to see you, and stretch out his front paws, or one paw, as a greeting ritual. This position is ambivalent and is still part of his defense mechanism. You can see this if you stroke his belly. At first he will purr and show his pleasure but often he will then swat you to show he has had enough.
# posted by bizwrite @ 7:49 AM 
