Cats roll in dirt for several natural and instinctive reasons:
- To cool down: Rolling in moist soil helps cats cool themselves since they do not sweat like humans. The moisture in fresh dirt cools their fur and skin.
- To scratch an itch: Cats often roll to reach itchy spots they can't scratch with their paws.
- To mark territory: By rolling, cats spread their scent from glands on their face, paws, and tail to mark their territory and communicate safety.
- To play and express joy: Rolling can be a playful, happy behavior when cats feel content and secure.
- To aid digestion: Dirt carries bacteria which cats ingest during grooming, potentially helping their gut health.
- To attract mates: Female cats in heat may roll more to signal readiness to mate.
- To get relief from parasites: Rolling can help dislodge or deter parasites like fleas by disrupting their lifecycle.
Overall, rolling in dirt is a multifunctional behavior related to health, communication, comfort, and social signaling for cats.
