Cats are quirky creatures. From ‘making biscuits’ when they’re relaxed and cuddled up with you, to chirping when they see birds, they have some behaviours that may be confusing to us.
While it might not always be cute when they knock things over with their paws or cover up their poo in the litter tray, everything they do can be explained by their natural instincts.
If you’ve ever been friendly with a cat, whether it’s your own or an animal you come across outside, you might have noticed that they like to turn around to have their rear end facing you. While it might seem odd, there’s a very simple reason why they do this.
Explaining the odd behaviour, clinical feline behaviourist Amanda Campion has taken to her TikTok channel to share her expertise, and why you should take this as a compliment.
“Tail up and butt in your face. Here’s the real reason why they do it, and it’s really funny and it’s not anything bad, I promise,” she said at the start of her video.
She went on to explain: “In cat social language, a raised tail exposing the butt is actually a really, really friendly greeting, so take it as a compliment. A strange one, I know.”
She shared that while cats often walk around with their tails up, revealing their behind, there are times where they like to hide it.
“Showing their rear is actually a sign of social bonding and trust because it’s a very vulnerable area,” she continued. “And if a cat is actually having a fight with another cat and it’s chasing them, they will always go for that area.”
Cats also greet each other by sniffing that area, much like dogs do.
“So when you have nose to butts or vice versa, it’s just their greeting,” Amanda said. “I mean, it’s not for us humans to do, but it’s completely normal for them.”
However, just because this is second nature to cats doesn’t mean humans necessarily want to join in. Amanda shared: “If it’s not for you, then gently just move them aside. You don’t have to participate like cats do, thankfully.”
Taking to the comments, several cat owners said Amanda’s advice was relatable.
One cat owner said: “Always have my cats butt in my face, not by choice but even if I do gently move her she’s back, before she circles around and around before going for a snooze.”
“I like to pat mine on her lower back just above the tail she seems to like it,” a third viewer shared.
