For cat lovers, one of the most common feline poses can be puzzling. We know that cats communicate not only with meows and purrs, but also scent and body position. A comical posture of happy, healthy cats, something I call “elevator butt,” actually communicates different information.

The pose looks similar to the canine play-bow, and in some circumstances, has a similar meaning. The cat lowers her front end toward the ground, while elevating her nether regions and tail. Kitty looks sort of like a race car revving her engines.

Top 3 Things Elevator Butt Means

 Romance. The technical term for elevator butt is the lordosis position. Lordosis posture serves as the intact female cat’s romantic invitation to males as a mating display. Some cats (both girls and boy kitties) also use this position when urine marking, to spray their pungent urine higher or with better aim.

Play & Attention. Many pet cats, of course, are neutered and out of the mating game. And kitties typically offer this pose to humans, with no romantic strings attached. In these instances, “elevator butt” simply invites attention from the human, for interaction and play—or simply a pet at the base of the tail. My old lady cat, Seren-Kitty, does this to invite a friendly scratch.

You Can Sniff Me. Cats identify each other by their signature odor. Keeping kitty nether regions shielded is like a shy human hiding her face. That can indicate fear, stress or anxiety. Conversely, offering the elevator-butt pose places the cat in a vulnerable position and could be considered a declaration of trust. That’s not to say your cat really expects you to take a whiff—but the offer certainly speaks volumes.

 Elevator butt aimed at humans is a declaration of friendship, and an invitation to come closer and interact. For that reason, the pose can be a great indicator of your cat’s emotional state. By scratching or petting your cat in response, you reinforce the behavior so the cat will repeat the gesture. Petting also tells the cat you accept the offer of friendship.

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Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!  Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!