Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
When you stroke your cat down the back does he suddenly go into elevator butt position lowering his front end and raising up his hind quarters? If so, that’s a very common position meant as a friendly gesture.
A Feline Greeting
Although it’s not something we view as pleasant, the presentation of the hind quarters in this way is a common form of communication. Scent is very important in the animal world and the back end of the animal is rich in scents. It’s common to engage in a round of back end sniffing. When your cat raises his butt, it’s actually a friendly invitation.
You’ve Hit the Spot
Elevator butt is also a very positive response to the fact that you’ve hit just the right spot when petting. Typically, that spot is at the base of the tail. Not all cats enjoy being scratched or petted along the spine or at the tail base because of the sensitive nerves there, but if yours does, you’ve probably witnessed that elevator going up.
Intact Cat Behavior
When intact females display elevator butt it has a much more specific meaning. The position, known as lordosis, is how the female shows the male she’s ready for mating. With intact cats in lordosis, the tail position will be different than plain old elevator butt. The tail will be off to the side in preparation for entry by the male. The female may also tread with her hind paws.
If your intact cat is displaying true lordosis it means she’s in estrus so it’s very important to make sure you keep her indoors. When in estrus, females are noticeably more affectionate and vocal. You’ll probably be presented with the lordosis position just about every time you pet her.
You may even notice one or two unfamiliar cats hanging around outside the window as well. These are intact males who are well aware of the fact that there’s a mating opportunity nearby. Be extra careful about not letting your female cat outdoors and then contact your veterinarian about having the cat spayed as soon as the heat cycle is over.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.
If you have a question regarding your cat’s health, please contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care.
