Why Do Cats Put Their Butt in Your Face?

If you’ve lived with a cat, you’ve no doubt observed all sorts of strange and funny behaviors. Some are more perplexing than others, and a few of these habits can even seem a little insulting—like when your sweet kitty gives you a clear view of their rear.  

So why do cats put their butt in your face? Experts say it’s not because your cat is a snob or because they don’t like you. The real reasons why a cat puts their butt in your face are much more endearing.  

Why Do Cats Put Their Butt in Your Face?

If you find yourself face to face with a cat’s behind, you can feel good knowing that your kitty is sending you a positive message. Here’s what it means. 

Your Cat Trusts You

When a cat is building trust with another cat, they will offer their rear as a means to communicate their good nature, says Rita Reimers, a certified cat behavior expert and CEO and co-founder of Cat Behavior Alliance in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s a way of just saying, ‘I’m friendly. I accept you. I’m not a threat,’” she says. 

Cats will do the same to humans—but only those they trust. By making this gesture, a cat is telling you they want you to be part of their clowder (the term for a group of cats). Only people who have earned this trust get the invitation. 

“It’s just the ones that they trust and want to welcome into their circle,” Reimers says. “It’s a great honor.” 

Feral cats or cats with previous trauma may be less likely to demonstrate signs of trust, which also include rubbing against you and following you from room to room, Reimers says. But when a cat does stick their tush in your face, it’s often because you’ve established a trusting bond with them. 

Your Cat Feels Safe

We often think of cats as predators, but they can also be prey. As prey animals, they need to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings to feel safe. So when a cat lets their guard down, that says something about how secure they’re feeling.  

“The fact that they are comfortable enough to put themselves in that vulnerable position shows trust and safety,” says Ingrid Johnson, CCBC, owner of Fundamentally Feline, in Atlanta.  

Whether they’ve arranged themselves with their butt directly in your face or have just gotten comfortable with their back toward you, a cat who’s willing to face away from you is confident they are in a safe space.  

“It’s a compliment,” Johnson says. “People shouldn’t take it as something negative.” 

Your Cat Is Marking You With Their Scent

Cats use scent to mark their territory—which often includes the people they live with. When your cat rubs against you with their head or the base of their tail, they leave behind pheromones that indicate to other cats that you have been claimed.  

But it’s not just about claiming territory. Cats also rub against other cats and people to show affection, send a greeting, or form a bond.  

“There are a lot of chemical messages being delivered there,” says Johnson. 

In the process of marking you with the scent glands at the base of their tail, it’s possible your cat might give you a close view of their rear—especially if your cat is in your lap. Rest assured that this is meant as a positive message. 

“They’re showing you you’re part of their inner circle,” Reimers says. 

Your Cat Sees You as a Friend

The position of a cat’s tail says a lot about their mood and emotions. And the most positive moods involve tail positions that expose your cat’s rear end.  

Among those postures is the greeting posture, in which a cat approaches you with their tail straight up. This position indicates that a cat is feeling friendly, happy, and social. They like you and want to spend time with you.  

“They would do that with another cat they were friendly with,” Johnson says. “So instead, they’re doing it with us.”  

With their tail high in the air, it’s possible that your cat will put their butt in your face in the process of communicating these feelings. It’s all part of a warm and friendly greeting. 

What Should You Do?

Cats mean well when they put their butt in their pet parent’s face, and they’ll appreciate pets and positive attention in return. But some pet parents would rather not get close and personal with their cat’s behind.  

If the habit bothers you, Johnson recommends redirecting your cat with a brush, finger, or treat. You can also simply pick them up and turn them around.  

Although it can be frustrating—especially if the habit is recurring—Reimers advises against yelling at or scolding your cat. They won’t understand what has upset you, as they’re simply trying to communicate affection. Instead, gently redirect or move them.  

When your cat is situated in a position that works well for you, you can encourage them with a reward. 

“It’s important to reward their good behavior,” Reimers says. “If they’re doing something you really like, give them a treat. Give them a lot of praise.” 

How To Get Your Cat To Trust You

If your cat doesn't put their butt in your face, you may need to work on building trust with your furry companion. Spending time playing with your cat every day will build your relationship. Opt for activities that will encourage their natural hunting instincts. like chasing wand toys.