Why Do Cats Roll In Dirt? 9 Reasons Why!

Cats spend hours on end meticulously grooming themselves to stay looking like absolute purr-fection. So, it might seem odd when you notice your cat rolling around in the dirt outside just a few moments later. Do our furry family members just enjoy grooming themselves so much that they also enjoy getting dirty so they can start again? Well, no. There are other reasons why your cat might roll in the dirt. Let’s find out.

Why Does My Cat Roll In Dirt?

If you spot your cat rolling around in the soil outside, seemingly oblivious to how dusty they are, you might think they’re weird. However, dust bathing is a perfectly natural cat behavior. Here are some of the reasons why your feline friend might take a dust bath:

1. They’re Attention-Seeking

You’ve got to admit it, cats are pretty cute when they’re rolling around exposing their bellies. Showing you their vulnerable side by lying down on their back shows trust and means they’re trying to bond with you. Alongside rolling by your feet, they might also rub against your legs, and you might hear them purring or chirruping.

When it comes to cat body language and communication, this is quite an easy one to interpret. Your cat is feeling affectionate and wants some love. So, go on, give them a tickle under the chin or a rub behind the ear!

2. They’re Marking Their Territory

Cats have many scent glands, especially around their face, tail base, and paws. By rolling around on the floor, they can transfer their pheromones onto their environment. This scent serves multiple purposes. It reassures them that they are safe, helps them relax, and lets other cats know the area belongs to them.

2.  They’re Happy

If your cat feels happy and relaxed, they might roll around in the dirt. This is a behavior they often only do when they feel contented, safe, and secure. After all, if you feel under threat, it’s not a great time to get your belly out!

4.  They’re Cooling Down

If you’re a cat owner of an outdoor cat, you might notice they spend a lot of time sprawled out on the ground sunbathing on a hot day. All that sun-worshipping can make them hot. Dust bathing is an instinctive behavior that is great for reducing their body temperature.

You might wonder how getting covered in dirt and debris is helpful for cooling off. Although the top layer of soil in your garden will be warm, below the surface will be relatively cool. So, by rolling around and disrupting the soil, cats can keep cool.

Also Read: How To Keep Cats Cool In Summer

5.  It’s Good For Their Gut

One theory for why cats roll in dirt is to do with their digestive system. When your kitty rolls in the dirt outside, they cover themselves with bacteria from the soil. Later, when they’re frantically grooming themselves to get clean, they’ll swallow these bacteria.

Rather than causing them to pick up infections or get sick, these bacteria could contribute to the good bacteria in their gut. The role of your cat’s normal gut flora is the same as ours—to form a barrier against infection, aid in digestion, and keep stools healthy.

6. They’re in Season

If you have a female cat that is not neutered, you might notice some strange behaviors when they’re in season. Cats in season may yowl or make other unusual noises while throwing themselves onto the floor and rolling. These displays can be concerning for cat owners if they’ve never seen them before because it can seem like their cat is writhing in pain.

However, it’s normal flirting behavior for cats and is their way of attracting a mate. If you don’t want to arrive home to a litter of kittens, it’s best to keep your cat indoors and away from male cats until she is spayed.

7.  They’re Playing

If your cat is in a playful mood, they might pounce, jump, and roll around in the soil. This might be to catch insects as target practice for hunting or because they’ve found an interesting or exciting object like a stone, stick, or flower! On the other hand, they might just feel like burning some energy.

Also Read: 8 Purrfect Games You Can Play With Your Cat

8. They’ve Been at the Catnip!

If your cat is partial to catnip, you can be sure this will cause them to roll around outside. Catnip can mimic some milder effects of recreational drugs in humans, including dilated pupils and frantic behavior. However, don’t fret because the effects don’t last long and are not harmful as long as your cat is in a safe environment where they can’t injure themselves.

9.  They’re Itchy

We all know what it’s like to have an itch that we can’t reach to scratch, and cats are no different. Thankfully, cats can roll to get at those pesky hard-to-reach areas. So, next time you spot your cat rolling in the dirt, check to see if itchiness could be the cause. Look out for signs of mites, flea infestation, or skin irritation like hair loss, redness, or scabs.

Do Cats Like Being Dirty?

Cats are very clean animals. They don’t like being dirty and will often spend a lot of time preening themselves. So, why would they dust bath if a cat doesn’t like getting dirty? Although it seems counterproductive, dust bathing is a normal cat behavior that serves many purposes, including territory marking, cooling down, and cat communication.

Do Cats Need To Be Bathed?

Most cats don’t need to be bathed unless they are smelly or have rolled in something toxic or unpleasant. Cats will take care of most of their grooming needs themselves, but longhaired cats or older, arthritic cats may need some help with brushing.

However, suppose your cat has chemicals like paint or engine oil on them, or they have rolled in lily pollen. In that case, washing them immediately and seeking urgent veterinary advice is essential.

Conclusion

Dust bathing might seem like a strange thing for a cat to do, especially since they are so much about being clean and well-kept. However, dust bathing has various functions, including keeping your cat’s gut healthy and helping them attract a mate.