I live in an urban area filled with stray, but incredibly friendly cats. So friendly that they’ll approach me while I’m walking my dog. I’ve started to notice that my neighborhood cats do a lot of rolling on the ground, especially in dirty spots. So, naturally, I started wondering, why do cats roll in dirt?
A common reason cats roll around in the dirt is to protect themselves from fleas, ticks, and other ectoparasites. Ethologists, scientists who study animal behavior, classify this behavior as dust or sand bathing, which includes other motivations and benefits for felines.
Nature’s parasite control is just one of many reasons cats roll around in the dirt. My indoor cat rolls around quite a bit, and he’s not having a go at the next best thing to dirt in our house, which would be his litter box (that’s a whole separate issue.)
So let’s have a look at how rolling in the dirt helps your cat control pests, but also all the other reasons for this behavior.
All the Reasons Your Cat is Rolling In Sand and Dirt
I referenced ethologists earlier and how they classify a call rolling in the sand as “dust bathing” and “sand bathing, but it’s a common animal behavior (mammals, birds, etc.) where they roll, move, or dance in dirt, dust, dry earth, or sand.
And the reasons they do this are complex beyond just parasite removal.
Removes Pesky Parasites
If cats were humans, their occupations would certainly be in the self-care space – they are grooming experts. Since felines spend 25%-30% of their waking hours’ grooming, it’s odd to see the cleanest creature in the animal kingdom voluntarily rolling around in sand and dirt.
But a cat rolling in dirt is their method for staying healthy because it helps protect them against external parasites like fleas and ticks. They aren’t rolling in the dirt to make their grooming job more difficult.
If a flea or tick does happen to jump on your cat, it’s more likely to stay on the topcoat rather than burrow down into the fur when there is a barrier of dirt or debris on top. Think of it as a repellent.
If you have an indoor cat that ventures outside, or a full-time outdoor cat, it might be frustrating to see them get dirty in this way. But hopefully, there’s some consolation knowing they may be deterring fleas and ticks, there’s no harm in letting them continue the behavior.
Cooler Body Temperature
Cats love to lay in the sun, and while it might feel good, it’s a necessity for felines. Because they are so intent on grooming, cats expend nearly a third of their body’s energy on grooming, so the sun acts as a way to conserve energy and keep their body warm.
But sometimes warming up isn’t the issue, it’s cooling down that’s the challenge. This is where a layer of dirt and sand on the outer coat can be helpful. By rolling in a sandy spot, your cat can lower their body temperature on a hot day.
This is especially helpful for cats who have thick fur coats, as they can overheat more easily than cats with shorter fur.
While this behavior may seem strange, it’s a smart way for cats to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Dry Off After Becoming Wet
Cats who live in areas with lots of rain or snow may find that rolling in the dirt helps them dry off more quickly after they become wet. And we all know how much cats despise being wet, well most cats at least…
While this isn’t the most effective way to dry off – and certainly not the cleanest – it may be your cat’s only option if they’re feeling cold and need to get dry fast.
They Have an Itch
A cat’s tongue is fascinating – with many barbs, it’s able to grab objects far easier than a human’s tongue. This is helpful when grooming, as it removes any dirt, debris, or parasites.
But sometimes they may develop an itch that they can’t reach with their tongue or claws. And we all know that cats are ridiculously flexible, so a dust bath may be their last resort to satisfy an itch. In these cases, rolling in the dirt can help scratch the itch and provide relief.
Just be sure to keep an eye on your cat to make sure the itch doesn’t turn into a more serious skin condition. If it’s a recurring behavior in the same spot, something else may be going on.
They Are Communicating
Cats are complex, and they have a sophisticated way of communicating. And dust bathing is thought to be a communication method by some ethologists.
Scent Communication
In other mammals, like the degus, dustbathing allows the males to leave a scent mark on the space. Cats have scent glands all over; the pads of their paws, lips, foreheads, back legs, around their mouths, tails, and of course the anal glands, because why not.
When a cat rubs their body against you or an object, they are leaving a scent behind. And when they roll in dirt or sand, they are covering that spot with their scent as a way of marking territory or leaving a message for others in the neighborhood.
Visual Communication
Have you ever noticed your cat roll on the ground right in front of where you’re standing or sitting? This is one of their ways of telling you that they are friendly, approachable, and ready to socialize.
If a dog did this, they would want you to give a belly rub, but cats are vulnerable on their tums, so they most likely don’t want that.
For cats, this is their signal to you that you can approach them and most likely give them a nice chin scratch.
They Are Just Having Fun
Last but not least, your cat may simply enjoy rolling around in the dirt. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
Play is an important part of a well-socialized cat, and if your’s like to roll in the dirt, who are you to deprive them of that? Think of all the benefits like preventing fleas and ticks.
Should You Stop Your Cat Rolling In Dirt?
While it may not be the cleanest behavior, as long as your cat is healthy and doesn’t have any skin conditions, let them enjoy their dirt bath. Stopping this behavior prevents instinctual behaviors, which is never a good course of action with a pet or animal.
Just be sure to give them a good brushing afterward to remove any excess dirt.
Do you have a cat that loves to roll in the dirt?