Cats are such beautiful and fascinating animals that it’s hard not to want to know what everything they do means. Sometimes we try to make sense of all their clumsy little actions, filling them with cute interpretations, but there are certain things a cat does just because it want. Have you ever wondered, “why do cats roll on concrete“?
Fortunately for us, scientists and cat lovers have cracked the code of those actions that cats repeatedly repeat (or so we think), for example, rolling on the floor.
Does your cat do it too? Let’s not waste any more time and find out what it means!
6 reasons why your cat rolls on concrete
Without further ado, here are six reasons your cat might be rolling around on the cold, hard ground.
1. To mark territory
Like their ancestors, the lions, house cats are natural predators and very territorial, the exact formula of the perfect guardian. For cats, their home and everything inside is theirs, including people, so you will always see them alert and attentive to any danger.
Being a 24/7 watchman is an exhausting job. To help themselves, cats use all the resources they have at hand, including their scent. That’s right, cats mark their territory with pheromones, ensuring that no other animals (primarily cats) will know that the house already has an owner. This way, they won’t even think about entering and invading.
One of the most effective ways for cats to mark is to roll around the ground, so they can cover more marking space and do it more quickly. If your kitty is lying on the floor rolling around, it is probably on a strict marking and guarding mission.
2. To find a mate
If you have a female kitten and lately you see her rolling on the concrete, the reason is undoubted that she is in heat. Your cat knows very well that to attract the right candidate, she must use her pheromones, which any cat can perceive from several meters away thanks to their developed sense of smell.
If you let your kitty outside, she will mark the whole area around your house, so you can expect to have a few visitors waiting to see her.
The best thing to do is not to let her out and take her to the vet for spaying. Consider adopting as many cats worldwide are looking for a happy home.
3. To regulate its temperature
Have you ever noticed that cats prefer to lie on the floor instead of on their comfy padded bed when it’s scorching? That’s because, in the shade, the concrete floor stays cool, especially light-colored ones. A hot kitty will roll around on the floor to cool down and take advantage of the freshness of the concrete.
And on those cold days, a cat might also roll around on the concrete to soak up some heat. It may seem strange to us that they prefer to get warmth from the floor instead of using their multiple blankets, but for a cat, the floor is much more familiar and comfortable.
Simply put, the luxuries and comforts we give our cats cannot compete with a cat’s good-old preference for the floor or a cardboard box.
4. To scratch its back
Why didn’t we think of this before? Of course, cats get itchy too, and they also face the terrible problem of not having arms long enough to reach that spot on their back.
A cat can lay on concrete and roll around to try to relieve the itch, and they specifically use concrete because it is flat, stable, and rough-textured, basically the perfect scratching tool for a cat in distress.
If your kitten scratches very often, it is better to check his skin to rule out irritation problems such as dermatitis, allergies, or fleas. In any of these cases, a visit to the veterinarian is enough to solve the problem.
5. To catch your attention
Some cats love rolling around on the concrete, and it’s not just a coincidence that they do it right before you. Cats are experts at getting our attention, have years of experience, and know that practically anything they do will get an “aww, how cute.”
That’s right, maybe your cat needs some fresh water or a nice meal, or perhaps he wants a few minutes of cuddling and love, whatever he needs, he knows that if he rolls in front of you, he’ll get your attention in seconds.
It is also very possible that your kitten rolls on the floor as a way to invite you to play with him. If you see him walking from one side to another with a silly attitude, don’t hesitate and approach him, although with caution, and throw him a toy, you will see how much fun he has.
This same attitude of rolling on the floor is typical among cats because, with this relaxed posture, they show each other that they are available for the game and don’t plan to attack.
6. To collect beneficial bacteria
Yes, just as you just read. Scientists say that the body is wise and not only the human body but also the cat’s body. On an unconscious level, when a cat’s organism, specifically its stomach, requires the reinforcement of some bacteria, the cat may resort to rolling on the concrete, filling its coat with bacteria. Sometimes they roll on dirt too.
When the cat licks its fur when grooming itself, it will ingest the microorganisms, allowing them to reach their destination. Another way intelligent cats can get bacteria is by licking the floor or even eating certain plants.
The bottom line: why do cats roll on concrete?
Cats love to lie and roll on concrete for its many benefits, such as getting a little warmth or coolness, or as we just learned, even beneficial bacteria! But sometimes, they prefer concrete because it reminds them of their past lives when they were big cats living on the African savannah, sleeping on a big, rough tree branch.
What would their ancestors say if they saw them sleeping on a quilted bed with colorful blankets? They would undoubtedly question their wild spirit.
What about your cat? Does he like to roll in the concrete? Let us know in the comments below, or ask us any questions you may have about your cat’s behavior. We would love to help you!