Why Do Cats Roll Around in the Dirt?

Cats have no shortage of behaviors that inspire their owners to ask, ̶0;Why do they do that?̶1; For notoriously clean animals, rolling in the dirt seems unusual. Quite the contrary -- dirt bathing is an instinctual habit for cats looking to groom themselves or stimulate their nerves.

  1. Grooming

    • Even cats who preen themselves endlessly indoors sometimes find themselves enjoying a roll in the yard, picking up dirt and dander in the process. As strange as it sounds, your cat is grooming himself using dirt. Rolling on the ground, be it dirt or pavement, loosens old hair from your cat̵7;s coat. When he rolls around on a hard, rough surface, he rids himself of excess hair that he̵7;d rather not haul around. Declawed cats may be more likely to roll in dirt, as they lack claws to help rid themselves of fur.

    Pleasant Sensations

    • Dirt feels good to a cat̵7;s skin. It produces an entirely different sensation than petting or brushing. They don̵7;t have a substitute indoors to provide the same type of stimulation, which explains why Boo makes a beeline for the flower bed as soon as he gets outside. Carpet is too soft, and wood or other hard floors don̵7;t have the texture to stimulate his skin. Rolling in dirt naturally stimulates a cat̵7;s nervous system in a pleasurable way.

    Deterring

    • You shouldn̵7;t deter a cat from enjoying occasional dirt baths entirely, or he could develop anxiety. However, if your cat has an affinity for rolling in the flower bed next to your prized petunias, you̵7;re welcome to encourage him to perform his dirt duties elsewhere. Pet stores carry a variety of cat deterrents, made from urine of other animals, fragrant plants, or other aromas cats don̵7;t like. Tossing some citrus peels in the area may also work. Brushing your cat frequently will also help remove loose hair and reduce his inclination to roll.

    Watch Closely

    • Cats that eat dirt may have anemia, which can be deadly. Odds are your cat simply enjoys the outdoors, but if you̵7;re concerned, keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, weight loss, and rapid pulse or breathing rate. Check with your veterinarian if your cat exhibits any strange symptoms after taking a liking to dirt.