Why Do Cats Roll In Dirt? 9 Reasons Why!

Share Email Pinterest Linkedin Twitter Facebook

Cats rolling in dirt, embracing their natural inclination for grooming and marking behaviors.

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

Cats engaging in social rolling, displaying their affinity for bonding and communication through physical contact.

When a cat rolls onto their back, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable and safe.

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!

Catnip in focus, a popular feline stimulant known for inducing playful behavior and excitement.

Many cats respond to catnip by rolling around in the ground.

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?

Washing a cat in the bathroom, showcasing the essential grooming process for maintaining a clean and healthy feline.

Most cats don’t need regular baths unless they become dirty or come in contact with a dangerous substance.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do cats roll in dry soil?

Cats roll in soil for many reasons. Perhaps they're itchy or feeling a bit warm and want to cool off. They might be communicating with other cats to attract a mate or mark their territory. It's also possible that they're just happy, playful, or wanting to share a special moment with you. There are lots of possible causes of this normal cat behavior, and it's usually nothing to worry about.

Why is my female cat rolling around and meowing?

If you have an unneutered female cat rolling around and meowing, she is likely to be in season. Female cats who are in season tend to be very noisy, letting out yowls and sounding as if they're in pain. It can seem like they’re in distress, but it’s their way of attracting male cats.

Why is my male cat rolling around on the floor?

Of course, a male cat rolling around on the floor won't be in season. However, it could still be a form of cat communication like territory marking. It might also mean that your cat is showing you his belly because he trusts you and wants you to stroke him. If you try giving him some attention, you might find he's feeling affectionate.

How often should you wash your indoor cat?

Cats don’t need a bath unless they are very dirty or smelly. Bathing them can remove the natural waxes and oils that protect the skin and keep the fur healthy. It can also disrupt the pH balance of your furry friend's skin, leaving them prone to skin infections or irritation. Therefore, unless your cat is filthy or has had contact with a toxic or irritant substance, it’s best to leave the grooming to them!

Avatar photo

About Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVETMED MRCVS

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, UK in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but as the small animal hospital became busier, she focussed on small animals. Hannah is an expert on cat behavior and nutrition.

Want to give your cat better care every day? Get our free day to day care guide.

Based on advice from cat behaviorists, we’ve developed a step-by-step guide to a healthy routine that brings out your cat’s best. From daily habits to yearly must-do’s, we’ve laid out everything you need to set the foundation for a stress-free, happy life.

Inside the day to day guide, you’ll find:
  • Easy to understand infographics
  • Checklists for simple management
  • Must-do’s for a healthy cat

Get your free guide! Get your free guide!