Why Do Cats Roll in Dirt?

We often can observe a cat rolling on back. It looks funny when your buddy is playing this way. But these rolls can take place in the dirt, somewhere on the street, in the garden, in the yard.

These fluffy pets are associated with pure cleanliness when they are licking their fur even after eating some goodies. But suddenly we see our bewhiskered friend muddy after mucking about outside. So what are the main reasons for such a cat’s behavior?

Why Do Cats Roll in the Dirt: The Main Reasons

 

The beautiful silky coat of your kitten or a mature cat became dirty after a so-called dust bath. Obviously, you are surprised to see this. Your pet companion that is in love with grooming routines and always licks its coat after any contact with family members or food is turning out to be a grubby piggy.

What’s wrong? And what to do? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why cats roll in the dirt.

Cooling Off

A rolling cat is often about the fluffy buddy who is trying to cool off the body. You can see this situation almost every season. For example, if your cat is lying on the window next to the heater or directly under the sunrays, he or she might feel uncomfortable with the raised body temperature. The first thing that takes into the fluffy head is to roll on the floor.

If your buddy was overheated somewhere outside, it goes without saying that a she-cat or he-cat would decide to cool off on the grass or the ground.

It is recommended to arrange for your feline boy or girl round-the-clock access to cold water in summer. Switch on the fan if it is really hot at home. These measures will decrease the probability of the cat’s dust bath for the sake of coolness.

Playing & Communication

Why do cats roll in catnip or on the carpet? Maybe they are seeking your attention and would like to play with you. Sometimes we are very busy, and our pet companions are bored. Right after visual contact with you your pet can stop doing this but start acting in another way:

• Purr and chafe;
• Meow and sit on hand;
• Take a toy and play;
• Ask for food.

Give some attention to your buddy. Additionally, a cat rolling around on carpet or somewhere else is a way your pet is communicating with you, other domestic animals. Especially when it comes to playful kittens who are full of surprises!

Marking Their Territory

Why do cats roll around outside from time to time? This is the typical behavior of feline buddies who would like to border their territory. This way they mark the place where they live. For example, a male cat can not only spray some object outside but roll in the dirt and leave some special smell to other he-cats nearby. At the same time, a she-kitty will demonstrate with this behavior that a fluffy lady is single and is searching for a partner!

Scratching Itches

A simple reason for rolling on the floor and having dust bath procedures is the opportunity to scratch some itchy body parts (usually a back). This way any itching sensation flies away, and a cat is happy. Of course, you will be unpleasant with the dirty fur of your lovely pet after such an experience. But this type of scratching is risk-free for your feline boy or girl. Do not worry!

Pleasure and Feeling Safe

Pay attention to your cat. If your pet looks playful or appeased, then rolling on the floor is likely the activity that indicates the pleasure of your buddy. A cat can show that he or she is feeling safe this way. This is the behavior of felines when they are in a relaxed state. They demonstrate trust, a sense of peace, and love.

Digestive System Care

Why do cats roll in the dirt? One more answer is their desire to improve the digestive system using good bacteria composed in soil. Your pet might replace harmful germs that can affect their gastrointestinal tract with healthy microelements. So the cat is rolling around on the grass or ground to keep the balance of the bacteria on the coat to lick further.

Catnip-Driven Behavior

If you have catnip growing in the yard, your pet companion can demonstrate a variety of behavior patterns after smelling and touching this weed-like mint plant. It can be explained by the cat’s response to the chemicals it interacts with. The catnip brings the effect of pheromones that cause different activities:

• Feline males and females can become too active (jump, run, roll around);
• Bewhiskered pets can start meowing loudly or purring next to you;
• They might have a dust bath right next to the catnip (on the grass or in dirt).

Note that other behavior can be observed. For example, cats can shake their head or start body rubbing in the yard. Do not be afraid of such an effect of catnip. This plant is harmless, and its pheromones are non-addictive.

A Courtship Ritual

You can mention that a cat starts rolling in the dirt when it comes to sexual advances. The courtship behavior can be complemented with different activities.

One of the rituals is dirt baths. Usually, she-cats demonstrate their interest to the feline male this way. Fluffy ladies show that they are ready for courtship and have sympathy for the potential he-cat partner.

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Are There Dangers for Cats Rolling in Dirt?

 

This behavior is always unsanitary. That is why there is a risk of parasites infecting or catching toxins together with some poisonous agents via the silky fur. Of course, cats also become dirty and bring anti-sanitary debris to your home.

Parasites

The soil contains different dangerous parasites that can harm your pet companion. For example, your cat’s health can be affected by fleas, roundworms, ticks. You need to pay attention to grooming routines to do away with the risk of parasite infection. Additionally, use preventive medication to protect your bewhiskered males and females.

Toxins and Poisons

It is worth noting that soil is rich in different chemical solutions. That is why the risk of getting dangerous toxins and poisons increases if the dirt baths take place. To avoid pesticides and other harmful agents that can cause vomiting, respiratory illnesses, and other risky health conditions, undertake grooming rituals and use pet-safe disinfectants for plants in the yard or garden.

Debris

There are many dangerous objects outdoors. Remember those small glass particles or other debris can injure your feline buddy. It is recommended to clean the floor in the yard regularly and inspect other coverings in the garden.

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How to Stop Your Cat from Rolling in Dirt?

This is useless to do if you can create safe conditions for your pet. The most essential thing is to keep track of your feline friend all the time. Rolling in the dirt is the cat’s natural behavior. While preventing this activity you can harm the digestive system of your fluffy buddy.

What to Consider If You Do Let Your Cat Outside

Pay attention to the covering your feline male or female can interact with. No dangerous debris should lay on the floor of your summerhouse or in the garden. Use only pet-safe disinfectants for cleaning and chemicals for plants in the yard to prevent poisoning.

It’s good to know – Common Cat Sleeping Positions: What They Say About Your Kitty

Frequently Asked Questions

People often are asked about their bewhiskered pets rolling in the dirt. But there are other popular questions to take a closer look at.

Do Cats Roll in the Litter Box?

Yes, sometimes cats roll in their litter boxes. Your pet can do this to ensure a familiar scent and mark the territory. Especially, when you clean a litter box and add fresh litter. Your cat will roll here to demonstrate his/her ownership and spread the familiar scent here.

Why Do Cats Roll on the Floor Indoors?

It can be explained by their desire to cool off or arouse your attention to their charismatic personality. Why do cats roll on the concrete? Because this coverage is one of the coldest indoors. Do not worry!

Why Do Cats Roll in Dirt When They See You?

They would like to demonstrate their love for sure. Why do cats lean themselves in front of you? They act this way when they are feeling safe with you and are seeking your attention.

Why do cats roll on their backs when they see you? One more answer is that your fluffy buddies would like to get yummy treats or play with their beloved owner!

Final Word

Dust bathing is some kind of game or feline ritual you should not be afraid of. This way your feline friends show their love, appeasement, friendship, sexual advances.

If you do not like such behavior, try to arrange a clean space outdoors for your pet. Let your cat play, explore the territory, and walk in a safe environment with minimum debris and dirt. But pay attention to plants and grass as well.

Garden flowers also contain poisonous microelements and parasites. Regular grooming and preventive medical measures will come in handy for the sound health of your bewhiskered companion.