Although belly buttons are easy to find on humans, the lack of a prominent, visible belly button on a cat may make it appear as if they don’t have one, but this is not true.
Cats technically do have belly buttons! It isn’t pronounced or apparent as a human’s, but it is, in fact, there. In this article, we’ll learn where your cat’s belly button is, why it is so hidden and why they have one. Let’s get to it.
What Is A Belly Button?
To understand the mechanics of your cat’s belly button, we must first define the term belly button. A belly button is a scar or mark caused by the umbilical cord-cutting. Mammals are attached to their mother through this wondrous cord that provides nutrients while babies are in the womb. In short, the umbilical cord is the lifeline between mother and baby.
When baby mammals are born, the umbilical cord remains attached to the baby and must be cut to separate the newborn from the mother. Humans cut the cord and tie it. It eventually falls off, and the remaining indent is the belly button.
Do Cats Have Belly Buttons?
Technically, cats do have belly buttons because they are mammals. They are also attached to their mother via the umbilical cord. The mother cat will bite the umbilical cord to sever it. This is how other mammals cut the umbilical cord as well.
Since cats cannot tie the umbilical cord, the umbilical cord remains on the kitty until it dries and falls off. This can take a few days.
Is It Really A Belly Button?
In medical terms, a belly button is defined as “ the scar on the abdomen that is caused when the umbilical cord—through which the mammalian fetus receives nourishment—is removed.”
According to this definition, your kitty’s navel scar qualifies as a belly button.
How To Find Your Cat’s Belly Button
Kitty’s are not the greatest when it comes to having their bellies rubbed. Some are okay with it, but most are not. So, if your precious kitty lets you rub his belly, this will be the perfect time to investigate the location of his belly button.
To find your cat’s belly button, gently rub your hand about two-thirds down his abdomen. Feel around just below the ribs and between the nipples. It should be located here. However, it can be difficult to actually see or feel. This area may be covered with fur, especially if you have a long-haired kitty. Additionally, if your cat is older, the scar may be very light and even more difficult to feel or see. Even with all your searching, you may not be able to find your kitty’s belly button, but please rest assured that it is there!
Final Thoughts
Cats don’t only have adorable faces. Apparently, they have cute tiny belly buttons too. They are so little that they are, in fact, almost not visible. However, if your kitty lets you look at his tummy, you may very well find the smallest scar known as his belly button.
