Cats 'flop' on their back and show their belly for sweet reason, says expert
Any devoted cat owner is well aware that their feline friends set the schedule for cuddle time. Thus, when cats perform the signature 'flop', flopping onto their backs to reveal their bellies, it's a challenge to resist stroking them – but could this be a playful trap set to ensnare your hand in a light bite as you reach out?
A certified cat behaviourist has shed light on the reasons behind this endearing behaviour, and it's not always a request for a belly rub.
Boasting over three decades of expertise in cat care, Amanda Campion shares her knowledge on her @kittysittycatbehaviour TikTok profile. Amanda clarifies: "Cat flopping on its side is an invitation to interact and offer trust, but it doesn't always mean touch the belly."
Amanda asserts that such behaviour signals "trust, comfort and a willingness to show vulnerability" showing they "trust you". However, it may also signal that your pet is in a "playful mood," and keen to engage with you.
To gauge their current disposition, studying their body language is key. Amanda advises taking note of their body language; she says: "Watch their body language.
"If they seem relaxed, then their body will be very, very soft. If they feel tense, then their body will be much, much tighter. If their tail flicks, or their ears flatten, they definitely don't want any attention and they don't want that belly rubbed."
The expert has cautioned that it's crucial to "always respect their body cues," which will "help build your relationship with them," Amanda noted, adding: "So less is very often more. Let cats come to you."
Many cat enthusiasts might find this behaviour all too familiar. In the comments section, one owner shared their perplexing experience: "My cat does this but when I walk over to her to give her pets, she jumps up and runs away and finds another spot to skip over and purr, it's so confusing."
Another cat lover humorously remarked: "Hehe mine always does forward rolls into a flop over my feet. Too cute."
A different commenter emphasised the importance of consent: "Consent is so key to a positive relationship with a cat... like I rub my cats cheeks and always pause for a second, if he leans in he wants more and I continue. if he turns away I stop."
Phyllis Meyer, a certified Veterinary Technician from Colorado, shed light on what is known as the "social roll", explaining that cats do this when they're interacting with toys, during friendly human contact, to signal playtime, or simply when they're content and have found a pleasant spot to relax.
Should your feline friend show off its belly, the best approach is to acknowledge them and let them sniff your hand before petting their head and perhaps engaging in some play. She clarified: "Although it may seem that he is begging you to rub his belly, most cats are just letting you know that they feel playful, safe and secure."
She cautioned: "Your cat may view rubbing his tummy as aggressive and respond with teeth and claws! Of course, there are cats who seem to enjoy a belly rub. Make sure that you know the cat before putting your hand into the 'bear trap'."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Aldi selling TikTok viral health drink for just £1.49 as shoppers hail it ‘amazing'
A NEW TikTok health craze is hitting Aldi shelves — and it's only £1.49. Shoppers are raving about the budget supermarket's brand-new drink, calling it 'amazing'. 6 Available in stores across the UK from July 24th, Aldi's Original and Strawberry Matcha Lattes (84g) are already causing a stir online. The excitement follows a viral post by British nutritionist and TikTok star GQ Jordan, who shared five creative ways to use the powdered drink — and fans can't get enough. The green tea blend has become a must-have ingredient in kitchens up and down the country, thanks to Jordan's unexpected twist on traditional recipes. She's managed to whip up everything from cottage cheese ice cream to creamy hummus, all using matcha as the star flavour. In the video, GQ Jordan also shows how to make a vibrant matcha pesto pasta, rich matcha French toast, and even bite-sized matcha cheesecakes — proving the viral drink isn't just for sipping. Her fans were quick to react, with one saying: 'These look amazing! "Who knew you could create so many different recipes with Matcha.' It's not the first time a TikTok trend has had shoppers flocking to Aldi, but this one is proving especially popular with health -conscious buyers. Many are ditching their usual coffees and teas in favour of this green powerhouse, known for its antioxidant benefits and gentle caffeine boost. The matcha lattes come in two flavours — classic Original and fruity Strawberry — both designed to be mixed with water or milk for an easy at-home drink. 'Absolutely delicious' shopper exclaims at new Aldi summer bargain essential that's perfect for BBQs But thanks to GQ Jordan's inspiration, shoppers are now experimenting far beyond the mug. It's not the first time TikTok has helped turn an Aldi product into a must-have. Earlier this year, the retailer's high-protein puddings became a viral sensation, praised by fitness influencers as the perfect post-gym snack. Frozen avocado chunks also took off after TikTokers revealed their go-to smoothie hack — a fuss-free, freezer-friendly way to get your greens. Beauty lovers, meanwhile, have flocked to Aldi for its £1.99 collagen shots, touted online as affordable alternatives to premium wellness brands. Even recipe hacks have taken hold, like air fryer pizza wraps made with Aldi tortilla wraps — a quick, crispy snack that exploded in popularity. And thanks to TikTok's love of budget 'dupes,' Aldi's shelves are constantly being scoured for lookalikes of trending protein bars and snacks, offering big savings without compromising on flavour. 6 6 6
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Aldi selling TikTok viral health drink for just £1.49 as shoppers hail it ‘amazing'
DRINK UP Aldi selling TikTok viral health drink for just £1.49 as shoppers hail it 'amazing' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW TikTok health craze is hitting Aldi shelves — and it's only £1.49. Shoppers are raving about the budget supermarket's brand-new drink, calling it 'amazing'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The excitement follows a viral post by British nutritionist and TikTok star GQ Jordan 6 Aldi's Original and Strawberry Matcha Lattes (84g) are already causing a stir online 6 Many are ditching their usual coffees and teas in favour of this green powerhouse Available in stores across the UK from July 24th, Aldi's Original and Strawberry Matcha Lattes (84g) are already causing a stir online. The excitement follows a viral post by British nutritionist and TikTok star GQ Jordan, who shared five creative ways to use the powdered drink — and fans can't get enough. The green tea blend has become a must-have ingredient in kitchens up and down the country, thanks to Jordan's unexpected twist on traditional recipes. She's managed to whip up everything from cottage cheese ice cream to creamy hummus, all using matcha as the star flavour. In the video, GQ Jordan also shows how to make a vibrant matcha pesto pasta, rich matcha French toast, and even bite-sized matcha cheesecakes — proving the viral drink isn't just for sipping. Her fans were quick to react, with one saying: 'These look amazing! "Who knew you could create so many different recipes with Matcha.' It's not the first time a TikTok trend has had shoppers flocking to Aldi, but this one is proving especially popular with health-conscious buyers. Many are ditching their usual coffees and teas in favour of this green powerhouse, known for its antioxidant benefits and gentle caffeine boost. The matcha lattes come in two flavours — classic Original and fruity Strawberry — both designed to be mixed with water or milk for an easy at-home drink. 'Absolutely delicious' shopper exclaims at new Aldi summer bargain essential that's perfect for BBQs But thanks to GQ Jordan's inspiration, shoppers are now experimenting far beyond the mug. It's not the first time TikTok has helped turn an Aldi product into a must-have. Earlier this year, the retailer's high-protein puddings became a viral sensation, praised by fitness influencers as the perfect post-gym snack. Frozen avocado chunks also took off after TikTokers revealed their go-to smoothie hack — a fuss-free, freezer-friendly way to get your greens. Beauty lovers, meanwhile, have flocked to Aldi for its £1.99 collagen shots, touted online as affordable alternatives to premium wellness brands. Even recipe hacks have taken hold, like air fryer pizza wraps made with Aldi tortilla wraps — a quick, crispy snack that exploded in popularity. And thanks to TikTok's love of budget 'dupes,' Aldi's shelves are constantly being scoured for lookalikes of trending protein bars and snacks, offering big savings without compromising on flavour. 6 Her fans were quick to react, with one saying: 'These look amazing!' 6 Shoppers are raving about the budget supermarket's brand-new drink, calling it 'amazing'.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ellie Goulding, 38, flaunts her toned figure in an array of skimpy bikinis during Italian holiday amid new romance with actor, 28
Ellie Goulding left little to the imagination as she flaunted her toned figure in a series of sizzling bikini snaps during her sun-soaked holiday in Italy. The singer, 38, appears to be enjoying her summer after reportedly going public this week with actor Beau Minniear who is ten years her junior. According to The Sun Ellie and Beaum 28, debuted their romance as they attended the clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois together at Wembley on Saturday night. And on Thursday, she sent temperatures soaring as she treated her Instagram followers to a smouldering photo dump. Kicking things off in a tiny black string bikini, Ellie turned heads as she lounged on a sunbed with a book before snapping a sultry selfie. She later slipped into a green two-piece to continue basking in the sunshine, showing off her toned abs and golden glow. In another eye-catching moment, Ellie posed with a coconut in hand while rocking a Fenty bikini. Rounding out the carousel, the pop star turned up the glam in stunning day outfits and mirror selfies. 'Carbs,' she penned alongside the post. Since the breakdown of her marriage to her younger husband Caspar Jopling, 33, with whom she shares son four-year-old son Arthur, Ellie has enjoyed a string of romances. According to The Sun Ellie is thought to have met actor Beau- who has a string of small acting parts in TV and film in the US - earlier this year. Last week she reportedly teased a romance with him with a cryptic TikTok video posted to her socials. The publication claims she shared a clip stroking a man's arm, with the caption: 'Just a little something to take the edge off.' The video is no longer on her TikTok account. Her fans reportedly noticed that the watch the man was wearing in the clip matched one Beau regularly wears in Instagram snaps. They also reportedly noticed they both posted photos last week from the same hotel in Florence - before attending the boxing match together. A source told the publication: 'Ellie is into Beau and they have a lot of shared interests like exercise and art. 'They've been having fun together and they certainly make for an attractive couple.' A representative for Ellie has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. The star previously dated hunky surf instructor Armando Perez, 29, who she sought comfort with following the breakdown of her marriage. They met in late 2023 in Costa Rica where the songstress had rented a swanky villa with pals after secretly separating from her partner after five years. Ellie and Armando were first introduced when he gave her surf lessons, after previously teaching Shakira, 48, before pictures emerged of them passionately kissing and she was forced to confirm publicly that her marriage was over. The hunk and his brother Gero run the $70-a-night La Puente Surfhouse and hostel on the west coast of the Central American paradise. Ellie made numerous trips from her home in the UK to Costa Rica over the following months which she documented on Instagram, including a string of stunning bikini snaps. According to the El Observador newspaper, she made this trip as many as six times over just five months, typically staying a week at a time, sometimes longer. With the couple enjoying further private lessons, as well as shopping trips and dinner dates. An Insider told The Sun at the time: 'Ellie and Armando seemed very into each other. When Armando wasn't teaching Ellie, he couldn't keep his hands off her and pulled her in for a hug and a kiss'. 'Ellie looked blissfully happy and was laughing and joking with him as they messed around in the sea.' Antonio is also believed to have also visited Ellie in London on at least one occasion, reportedly watching her perform to a live crowd from backstage. One friend said: 'Amando and Ellie were very attracted to one another. Despite the age gap, they struck up an instant chemistry when he gave her private surfing lessons. The star previously dated hunky surf instructor Armando Perez, 29, (pictured L) who she sought comfort with following the breakdown of her marriage. 'They soon formed a bond and loved spending time together - Ellie loved hanging out on the beach with Armando to get away from everything that was going on back home after her marriage had come to an end. [Armando was used to spending his days instructing in the water and running around barefoot in swim shorts, and was more comfortable enjoying his 'quiet life' without the 'drama' of being in the public eye, the source added. 'They had a very special time together and she visited the country a lot. 'But they are from very different backgrounds. She is a big pop star from England while Armando's whole life is based here in Playa Hermosa. He loves it here and I doubt he would have any plans to leave. 'Their lives are very different and so it was natural for them both to eventually move on. But they still remain great friends.' Ellie and her art dealer ex Caspar were reportedly living separate lives for at least six months before announcing their split, despite trying to work things out for the sake of their son. They married in August 2019 at York Minster with A-list guests including Sienna Miller, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry. Their split was first rumoured in June 2023, when sources claimed they were 'living apart'. After weeks of discussions about how they would reveal their separation, the pop star's team finally revealed they had been spending time apart - blaming their 'hectic schedules' for the demise of their marriage.
