Why Do Cats Like Butt Pats?

If you’ve ever scratched a cat’s behind near the base of their tail and they’ve lifted up, there’s a name for that gesture. Called “the elevator butt” or “cat butt lift,” it looks funny but it’s a normal part of cat behavior. Here, we explain if cats like butt pats, where they do and don’t like to be patted, and more.

Do Cats Like Butt Pats?

The first thing to know is the difference between pats and pets. Pats are a soft tapping motion, and petting is continuous stroking. Some cats like having their butt patted and others don’t. The behavior might feel overstimulating to them. A cat’s preference for butt pats will vary, and can even shift depending on their mood or the environment they are in, such as when guests are over. The reasons cats might like butt pats include:  

• Biology: The base of a cat's tail is loaded with nerve endings. This is a very sensitive area, and gentle pats or scratches can lead to the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin.
• Trust: Because this is such a highly sensitive area, it’s a sign of trust when your cat allows you to give them butt pats.
• Communication: Cats have scent glands near their tails. When they raise their rear ends, they can release a scent as a form of communication.
• Instincts: Butt patting mimics some of the cat care kittens receive from their mothers. The gesture can be comforting to cats.  

Why Do Cats Raise Their Butts?

If you've wondered why your cat is always sticking their butt out, know that it’s a natural behavior, although it might seem strange. It’s called “elevator butt” and it’s a natural response to the nerve endings in the base of a cat’s tail. Cats raise their butts when patted because:

• They like the sensation: For some cats, this is the ultimate place to scratch or pat.
• It’s instinctive: Raising their butts is a part of feline body language and communication.
• They’re communicating with you: Cats that lift their butts when patted are showing you that they trust you. It’s one of the most vulnerable places on their body, and if they allow you to pat it, it means you’re in their inner circle.
• They’re in heat: This can be a mating signal for in-heat females, though other cats enjoy it as well.

Do Cats Like to Be Patted Hard?

Whether or not a cat likes to be patted on the butt will depend on the cat’s personality. Some cats love it, and others not so much. Most cats that enjoy being patted will likely want a gentle pat, as patting too hard is uncomfortable.

If your cat doesn’t like being patted on the butt, they might prefer being petted, a different gesture you can do on their bodies, not their rear ends. To pat your cat correctly:

1. Start gently: Begin with soft strokes near the base of the tail.
2. Watch their reaction: If they are into it, they’ll lean back for more pressure. If they aren’t, they’ll move away.
3. Read cat body language carefully: If your cat’s tail is swishing or they move away from you, they likely are not into it.
4. Avoid overstimulation: Respect your cat’s boundaries and keep patting to very short sessions.

Where Do Cats Like to Be Patted?

There are other feel-good spots for cats where some might like to be patted. However, some cats might not like to be patted in these spots, some might prefer to be petted in these areas, and some prefer not to be touched at all except when grooming is needed. There can be other places cats like to be patted, including:

• The base of the tail: Cats have lots of nerve endings in their tails, and some enjoy gentle butt pats here. If they raise their butts up or dance while you’re doing it, it’s a good sign they like it. They’ll move away if they don’t.
• The lower back: Some cats might enjoy this area and will let you know through purring or stretching, like they would with a cat massage.
• Behind the shoulders: Your cat might enjoy light pats (soft taps) between their shoulder blades. It can get overwhelming quickly, though, just like the base of their tail, so look for signs that your cat is scared or uncomfortable, as it might be too tender.

Where Do Cats Not Like to Be Patted?

Every cat will have different preferences, but there are some off-limit areas that most cats do not like. You’ll know they don’t like it because they will hiss, swat, or move away from you as quickly as possible.

These are likely areas your cat will not like to be patted:

• The belly: Unlike dogs, who show affection and trust by exposing their bellies, some cats don’t like it to be touched. They know their vital organs are close by.
• The sides or flanks: This is not a natural place for cat grooming or affection, so it feels uncomfortable and strange to most cats.
• The legs and paws: Cats often do not like having their paws touched, and many don’t like their legs touched either. The area is too vulnerable for them to relax.
• The head or top of the skull: Many cats like having the area near their cheeks and chin patted, but some won’t like pats on the top of the head. (Petting gently might be okay.)
• The tail: Although the base of the tail is considered a top patting spot, most cats dislike having the tail itself patted. It’s a sensitive area for them.

It’s possible to get your cat to tolerate being touched in these areas, such as when you need to trim their nails, brush their teeth, or clean their ears, but you’ll need to go slowly and read their body language to make it a nonstressful experience.

How to Pat a Cat

If your cat goes wild for a pat, give them the best pat possible every time by following these steps:  

1. Start slow: See if your cat is into it. If they are, they might raise their butts. You’ll know they aren’t if they move away.
2. Watch their body language: In addition to moving away, cats that don’t like it might swish their tails or hiss or growl at you. If they like it, they’ll likely purr or lean in.
3. Adjust the pressure: Pats should always be relatively light. If your cat loves butt patting, you can try to deepen the pressure for a few pats. Don’t prolong any patting sessions; patting can become overstimulating quickly, even for kitties who love it.
4. Follow your cat’s cues: If they want more, they’ll let you know by vocalizing or nudging your hand.  

Conclusion

Many cats enjoy butt patting and will give you an “elevator butt” as a cute form of communication, but some really don’t like it. Try it out with your cat and pay attention to their body language to see what kind of response you get. It can be a wonderful bonding experience if they enjoy it!

For more expert tips on caring for your cat, explore our other cat routine care articles.