Blue's Obsession With Butt Pats

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

In all my years of cat ownership, I've somehow managed to overlook this one small simple cat joy. That is until Blue. I’ve had a few cats previously and this was never something I had done nor even knew was a thing. At first, I thought it was a weird quirk of hers, but if my time with Pangolia has taught me anything, it’s that a lot of cats enjoy them. If you haven't already guessed, it’s butt pats.

For those who are new to the world of cats and their oddities, butt pats are a gentle smack on the back, right at the base of the tail. Generally, what you end up with is a low crouch at the front paws, an upright tail, and a fluffy bum in the air. Occasionally met with a few meows of approval and melodic purring. Or at least that’s the case with Blue.

Is This Normal Behavior for a Cat?

Admittedly, we didn’t realize this was something cats do, or that Blue was fond of it, until she was in adulthood. We often scheduled playdates with our feline-obsessed friends, which meant Blue had a ton of furry companions to roam with. It also allowed us to swap cat stories, tips, and advice about how to be the best cat parents we could be.

During one of our routine visits, Blue was casually (I mean, as casual as this can be for a first-timer) introduced to butt pats. My husband and I thought this was the wildest thing we’d ever seen, but her reaction was hilarious nonetheless. For some reason, I believed this to be cruel and forbade anyone from doing this to her ever again. However, she seemed to enjoy it whenever my husband impulsively transitioned from a friendly pet to a gentle back pat.

Our friends who seemed to be quite versed in feline behavior insisted this was very normal and was actually enjoyable for Blue.

A Word of Caution

Blue is such a lovely cat. She’s calm and affectionate. A master of the slow blink and will seek you out for a cuddle the moment you sit down. There’s something about a smack on the bottom that charges her kitty instincts, though. Many cats have no problem letting you know when their pets should end. Aside from simply getting up and moving, many might signify they’ve had enough with a love bite. Blue is the queen of love bites. Often she’ll reach around and nip at your fingers, playfully of course, but still doesn’t feel the greatest. Not entirely sure this means she wants her space back, but it’s enough for me to stick with a good snuggle session instead.

To Pat or Not to Pat?

In learning more about how much cats can enjoy a good pat on the back, I’ve come around to the idea. Cats have a ton of nerve endings and pressure points in their spine, so a gentle tap on their rear offers a nice massage that some might say resembles light acupuncture. Does your cat enjoy butt pats? If so, how silly are their reactions?