To think that when a cat rolls around and shows its tummy, it wants it tickled?

[PittTheYounger]

H says it wants its neck tickled? And this is the a cat body language issue

Obviously this is VITALLY important.

[PittTheYounger]

this is like, my cat

[5Foot5]

Not so much the neck as under the chin. They love having under the chin stroked.

If you really want to make it mad place your hand over its face.......

[msrisotto]

That's what it wants you to think so it can get you.

Honestly though, the stomach is the most soft and vulnerable part, they are showing you their stomach to show that they are submissive to you. Stroke their head, they will appreciate it. They generally really don't like their tummy being touched.

[almosthuman]

One of my cats you can but the other one will rip you to shreds

[PittTheYounger]

oh GAH he is right!

I LOVE their tummies though - with all the fluffy fur!

[ADHDNoodles]

In the words of General Ackbar...

[PittTheYounger]

5foot, what happens?

[PittTheYounger]

lol

[ProfYaffle]

We have a ragdoll cat who's always lolling around flashing his tum but if you touch it he goes nuts.

[LittleRedDinosaur]

It's trap! Don't do it!
I heard the same thing about it being a sign that they trust you not to hurt them by showing you their tummy and don't really want you to touch it

[PittTheYounger]

oi

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

If my cat shows you her tummy she wants you to tickle it... So that she can grab your hand bite it to death and use her back feet to rip your innards out through your wrist.

I hope she doesn't go round showing her belly to strangers because they'd be in for a shock when she tears them to pieces for their trouble.

[RabbitsarenotHares]

Sorry, OP, your DH is right. Cats don't really like being tickled on their bellies. They MAY allow you to do so, but I wouldn't take it as an invitation. Rather, this posture means the cat is incredibly relaxed in your company, so take it as a compliment rather than an invite.

[PittTheYounger]

snort at Yafflecat

[beccajoh]

It'll probably try and disembowel your arm.

[ShatnersBassoon]

No, never stroke the tummy. Or the tail. Or legs. Or paws.

Just head and chin, and sometimes the back on a tried and tested cat.

[Kundry]

Neither of you are right

The cat is showing it trusts you and is happy - it may trust you enough for you to tickle it's tummy and enjoy it but it may only trust you enough to show you it's tummy and as soon as you try to tickle it, it will get defensive and scratch you to pieces.

Of my two cats, one will always scratch and one only wants certain people to go in for the tummy tickle - if you are a stranger and misread the cue, she will maul you to death .

They both like their neck tickled but tummy exposure is not the clue.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

My cat used to do that cute thing as a kitten.

Then he grew up.

It wasn't so cute then.

[PittTheYounger]

STOP! you lot are making me laugh with your Tried and Tested Cats

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Haven't you seen this?

[Stinkle]

Yeah, I made that mistake too, when mine was laying flat on his back on lap.

I still bear the scars

[thatstoast]

I think this explains it pretty well.

theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet

[Stinkle]

flat on his back on my* lap

[PittTheYounger]

where is that from fanjo? I want to send to H