A typical “elevator butt” position is when a cat places his front paws and tummy on the ground while raising his behind. This is technically called “lordosis”, but cat parents like to call it the “elevator butt”.

This posture is often observed in intact female cats that are in season. It is actually a behavior to seek the attention of male cats. Male cats assume the elevator butt position when they are spray marking—raising their butts gives them a better aim at their target. 

When spayed or neutered cats raise their butts in their owners’ presence, they are merely showing complete trust and confidence in their humans. The stance renders them vulnerable against potential predators thus the assuming the position is often reserved for humans and other pets they are comfortable with.

Your Greensboro, NC veterinarian is an important source of information when it comes to understanding your cat’s personality and behavior. Click here.