Expert: Dear Tabbi - 4/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Sometimes when i go outside to play with my cat i will rub her belly. When i rub her belly she turns over and kind of holds my hand, and then she play bites me. After this she runs around in circles and comes back and does it again. Is this normal for a cat?

ANSWER: Jacob,

Yes, but rubbing her tummy can either tickle or, if she is not spayed, get her hormones going. I would suggest if she is not spayed yet to get it done soon.

You should only play with your cat interactively. Like with a pet laser light, throwing little balls, or stuffed furry mice for her to chase, etc. You should only use your hands to pet her. Roughhousing with your hands can get painful and get to be a bad habit.

A cat should also have a friend to play kitty games with and be comfort and companionship when she is alone. A human can't play with a cat like another cat can.

Tabbi

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QUESTION: I have already had her spayed. I also do play with her with those kinds of toys and such. But the only problem with your advice is she hates other cats but loves humans. She hisses at strays that walk by the neighborhood. And even when we took her to get spayed while she was in her cage she hissed and scratched at all the other cats that went by. Shes a very strange cat because she never bites or hisses at me or at any human as a matter of fact! Shes extremely docile to humans but absolutely hats other cats no matter what gender. So we just play with her when we can and she loves it.


ANSWER: Jacob,

I glad she is spayed. You are a responsible pet owner. It sounds like she is territorial and possessive of you. Is she a calico? They are one-person cats.

That good that you use interactive toys too. As long as she isn't hurting you by biting and seems to enjoy your play sessions then give her the attention and play she likes, but be careful and stop if she does start getting rough.

Cats are usually sensitive about their tummys being rubbed, but when a cat turns over and exposes her stomach to you (the most vulnerable part of a cat) then she is showing trust.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Im not sure what type of cat mine is. But my cat has all black fur. When she does expose her belly to me i be sure to rub is softly. Also, when i go see my cat she keeps meowing until i get closer and then started patting/rubbing. After i start rubbing her she stops and just purrs loudly. Does this mean she wants my attention or that she just wants to play?

Answer
Jacob,

It sounds like she is glad to see you and is content and happy that you are giving her attention. She is telling you by purring loudly that petting and rubbing her feels good and she likes it. If she wanted to play she would not stay still for attention.

Tabbi