Have you ever had someone play with your hair? Chances are, it feels pretty amazing. It’s so relaxing it might just put you to sleep. Now imagine you’re covered in fur and someone does that to your entire body.
Yeah. That’s what it feels like for an animal to get a good rub-down from their owner. Or at least, we assume so. Obviously, we don’t know for sure. But based on the way they react when the belly rubs start, we assume they feel pretty good.
Dogs are always down for a good tummy scratch. Cats, on the other hand, view being touched on the stomach as being overly vulnerable. They’ll give in to people whom they trust, but usually only for short periods. That’s why they tend to bite or scratch if you pet their tummy too long.
But dogs and cats are far from the only animals that love a belly rub. If you’ve ever owned a reptile, rodent, or even a bird, you’ve probably seen how they reacted to a good scratch. Let’s face it: all animals love to get their belly rubbed.
1. A toothbrush is a perfect tool
When you think about belly rubs, you probably think of dogs. But this little turtle loves a good belly rub, too. The toothbrush is a nice touch.
2. Who knew tiny foxes were so cute?
Okay, everyone knows foxes are adorable. They look and act like a mix between dogs and cats, and they love getting belly rubs. Who could resist such a sweet little face?
3. Now that’s a puppy smile
Have you ever seen a dog smile this big? Sure, they’re happy animals, but this is beyond mere happiness. This is pure unadulterated bliss.
4. The face of sheer contentment
Sure, she looks kind of goofy, but you have to love that she’s so happy. We can forgive her for those bulging pug eyes and the runny nose as long as she’s having a good time.
The only thing better than giving one puppy a belly rub is giving two puppies belly rubs at the same time. It’s an excellent way to turn a normal day into the best one ever.
The moment this little pig started getting her belly rubbed, she fell over right where she stood. Something tells me she’ll be there for a long, long time.
No matter whether it’s big or small, every cat is at heart still a cat. This tiger might have bigger claws than your average tabby, but it still loves a good scratch.
8. The bravest belly rub in the world
Bears might look cute and cuddly, but that doesn’t erase the fact that they’re wild animals. This bear’s getting a rubdown from his trainer. They’ve probably had a long and happy relationship, but still. Watch those claws.
9. This is one happy lamb
This little lamb might not be able to talk, but he’s having no problem communicating how he feels about this situation. With all four legs up in the air, he seems quite happy.
10. I think he’s enjoying it
It might not look very cute, but just take our word for it: this goofy expression is a face of pure pleasure. It just might make you giggle while you scratch away.
11. A big smile for a tiny animal
Hedgehogs are covered in prickles, but those bellies are soft, warm, and smooth. And believe me, they love getting belly rubs just as much as the next animal. So, get scratching, human.
12. Something tells me he’s happy
Who said animals can’t smile? This dog breaks into an enormous grin every time he gets his belly rubbed. I’m sure he’s having a grand old time.
Cats instinctively know their bellies are highly vulnerable, so they don’t often let humans touch them. But occasionally, they’ll bare their tummy to a trusted human. Just don’t scratch too long or the claws will come out.
On the other hand, some cats break out of the normal mold and beg for belly rubs almost like a dog. This cat grins widely when she gets a rubdown.
15. Wombats love snuggles, too
You’ve probably never thought about giving a wombat a belly rub. But like most animals, they love having their tummies stroked. Now to figure out where to find a wombat…
16. That dog’s in a trance
Some animals get so carried away during a belly rub they appear as though they’re floating off into space. This dog’s glazed-over look makes it apparent he’s somewhere far, far away.
17. “Just a couple more rubs, please”
Who could resist this flirtatious look from such a pretty girl? She knows how to get what she wants — and what she wants is a nice long belly rub.
18. Otters are just water dogs (#6)
If you’ve never seen an otter in action, you might not realize why they earn their nickname as “water dogs.” They’re playful and affectionate and love snuggles, just like their dry land counterparts.
19. Would you snuggle a shark?
Visitors at a local aquarium were amused to see a diver giving a shark a vigorous belly rub — and it was clearly having the time of its life. Who’s the scariest creature in the ocean NOW?
Toby the dog is having a great time getting a belly rub out in the grass. Outside time and a good rubdown from his favorite human? It sounds like the best day ever.
21. The sweetest fox belly rub imaginable
If you thought the last fox was cute, just take a look at this one. Forget just giving it a belly rub. That cuteness might prompt you to give it whatever it wants.
Cats might not love having their lower belly rubbed, but they do enjoy chest scratches. That’s a good compromise that everyone can enjoy — as this kitty clearly is.
23. Are you sure he likes that?
Some cats just don’t enjoy belly rubs like this guy. Or maybe he was and the camera happened to catch him right at the moment where it started getting old. Cats, man.
24. You know it has to be good when those eyes roll back (#2)
You don’t need to be told that this dog is having the time of his life. Getting a belly rub from his favorite human out in the yard is the definition of dog heaven.
25. This is her happy place
You know how people tell you to close your eyes and go to a happy place when you’re stressed? This dog doesn’t need to do that. She’s already in her happy place.
26. He has plenty of it to spare
No, no, we’re not fat-shaming — we’re appreciating just how much belly this good kitty has to rub. And there’s no question he’s enjoying it. So, everyone’s getting the good end of the deal.
27. When it’s so good you fall asleep
There are tummy rubs and then there are TUMMY RUBS — the ones that are so good they’re never forgotten. Or in this case, so good they make you fall asleep.
28. Tennis ball + belly rub = bliss
What does it take to give a dog the best day ever? For this fellow, it’s an afternoon outdoors, his favorite tennis ball, and a good belly rub under the sunny sky. Sounds pretty good for a human, too.
29. Here comes the tongue
This good girl’s enjoying her belly rub so much her tongue is starting to come out. You know it’s better than good when she can’t stop her tongue from lolling out of her mouth.
30. It’s even good through the sweater
It would be even better if that sweater came off and the human could run their fingers through her long fur. But hey, a belly rub is always good, even with a sweater on.
31. A belly rub in the sun
I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a dog look this happy, and it’s not hard to see why. Getting a nice long belly rub out in the warm sun is proof that dogs do go to heaven.
This rat’s belly rub hasn’t started yet, but he has one thing on his mind. I hope he got a nice long scratch as a reward for asking so politely.
33. Become one with the belly rub
Most of us don’t live in a place where we can cuddle with koalas, but they too love rub downs. This little guy’s enjoying it so much he looks like he’s achieved Nirvana. Or maybe he’s just falling asleep.
34. What a teeny baby kangaroo
Kangaroos are big and a little bit frightening when they grow up — but they start as tiny and precious as this joey. With his belly bared and his big eyes staring, there’s no way you could resist his request.
35. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience
A man named Gary Grayson was an avid diver, but he never expected to have an encounter like this. When he started to give this Atlantic Seal a rub, it responded incredibly.
36. What does the fox say? “Pet me, please”
It’s amazing how animals manage to communicate so well without uttering a single word. We might not know the answer to “What does the fox say?” But we’re guessing it’s “Please don’t stop.”
37. Rub the bird’s belly already (#1)
Palmer the parrot lives in a doctor’s office and pulls this routine on every patient who walks in the door. Once they’re seated, he lays down, playfully baring his belly. His request couldn’t be clearer.
If you had to chance to give a baby tiger a belly rub, would you do it? The answer is yes, of course. That might be a wild animal, but it’s fluffy and cute and we want to snuggle it.
39. Even a rhino can enjoy a good scratch
You might not think of rhinos as particularly cuddly animals, but you would be surprised. This guy was happy to come closer to the edge of his enclosure just to get a good belly rub.
Look, we’re just going to come out and say it: this chihuahua has a face that only a mother could love. But when you see how much he’s enjoying his tummy scratch you just can’t resist.
41. The happiest pig in the world
Looking at this adorable pig, it doesn’t make any sense why we use the word as an insult. If calling someone a pig means they’re happy and cute, I’m okay with it.
42. How low can this kitty stretch?
This cat’s rare…she doesn’t mind its owner just scratching and scratching away. She’s going to stretch out as far as she can for maximum belly surface area.
43. Dinner and a belly rub? Don’t mind if I do
I dream of being as happy as Coco the rat as he gets tummy scratches while eating his favorite snack. Oh man, now I’m jealous of a rat. I don’t know what that says about me.
44. I think they’re bonding
This seal’s enjoying a belly rub. So much so, he’s giving the diver a happy smile of appreciation. Who knew a smiling seal was what you needed to make your day better?
45. Don’t forget the reptiles
No, alligators aren’t exactly known for being cute and cuddly, but this one might just change your opinion. He’s kicked back in his caregiver’s arms, letting him stroke as much of his belly as he can reach.
46. I never knew I wanted to pet a baby donkey until now
Did you know baby donkeys had such woolly stomachs? It’s now my life goal to give a baby donkey a belly rub just so I can feel how soft it is.
47. When the owners aren’t home
Cats and dogs often surprise their owners when they’re away. It seems as though they even give each other belly rubs when no human hands are there to do it.
48. It’s worth risking rabies
Okay, most squirrels you find in your neighborhood aren’t rabid, but it’s still not a great idea to touch them. But seeing how cute this little guy is, it’s easy to understand why this person couldn’t resist.
49. That’s one happy sloth
Sloths might just be the world’s sweetest animals. They have no natural predators and don’t want to do anything except eat and sleep. And of course, get plenty of belly rubs.
50. A face of pure relaxation
All’s right in this guy’s world. And why wouldn’t it be? All he has to do is lie back and enjoy being scratched to his heart’s content.
51. This is the happiest dog alive
This dog’s barely larger than the person’s hand, but it’s wearing the biggest smile ever seen on a pup. And why wouldn’t it be when it’s in the middle of the best belly rub of its life?
52. No, wait, this is the happiest dog alive
This guy looks adorably grateful for the belly rub. He’s just staring straight into his owner’s eyes with a thankful smile. It’s enough to melt a heart of stone.
53. Tongue’s out, sun’s out
That doggie smile might be upside down, but it stretches from ear to ear. You can tell this good boy never wants the belly rub to end.
This squirrel’s so still during his belly rub you almost wonder if he’s okay. But don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with him. He’s just lost in the tummy scratches.
55. Have you ever seen a pig smile?
You’ve probably never seen a pig smile — maybe you didn’t even know they could. But it seems all it takes to coax one out is to give them a good scratch on the tummy.
This tiny chihuahua proves you don’t need to have a big belly to enjoy the rub of your life. The way her eyes are drifting closed is proof she’s in heaven.
57. Don’t forget to scratch the rat
The word “rat” is unusually associated with germs and sewers, but pet rats are known for being playful and affectionate. They even love a good snuggle and will happily accept rubs around the ears or on the belly.
Bella the dog is in her favorite place, stretched out on her owner’s lap for a good belly rub. A good scratch can even take the shame out of wearing a doggie diaper.
Cats aren’t usually afraid to ask for what they want, and this guy’s no exception. His belly is out and he expects his human to drop everything. It’s time for a scratch.
60. Just lay back on the sand
That’s right — even lizards enjoy having a good belly scratch. They might not have fur for you to run your fingers through, but it’s still great to cuddle them.
61. Just cradle the bunny gently
I don’t know what’s the sweetest part of this. Is it the belly rub itself or the tender way this person’s cradling the bunny? All I know is that little animal feels snug and safe.
This dog’s giving his owner that classic side-eye look that means: “Hey, if you just happen to want to rub my belly….” And honestly, he’s so fluffy I wouldn’t hesitate.
63. The paws are too cute to stand
This adorable little kitten’s getting so worked up over her belly rub that she’s kneading the air with both paws. That means she’s super relaxed and thinking of her mother.
64. Parrots love belly rubs too
With all the different pets around the world, it’s not surprising to learn some of the more unusual animals love cuddles, too. There’s no difference between petting a parrot and a kitten, except the feathers, of course.
This pup looks like he just laid down on the ground and waited for someone to walk by. Be honest — if you saw a puppy lying like this, you’d rub his belly, right?
66. A good day in the life of a guinea pig
This guinea pig has the life: no responsibilities, eating and napping all day, and getting amazing belly rubs. I guess it pays to be a rodent. Well, sometimes.
67. Bird of prey but lover of rubs
I bet you never thought you’d see an owl getting its belly rubbed. Owls are amazing hunters and have wicked claws, but even they’re at the mercy of a good rubdown.
68. He finally surrendered
When this little lizard first laid down, he fought off his human with both front legs. But finally, he realized a tummy scratch felt pretty good. Sometimes, it takes a little convincing.
69. Let’s just take a nap
This pup’s so relaxed he might just drift off to sleep. And honestly, none of us can blame him. Haven’t you ever fallen asleep during a massage?
70. That’s one chunky hedgehog
Have you ever seen a hedgehog with a belly this big? On one hand, it’s prime for belly rubs and snuggles. On the other hand, it might be time for him to go on a diet.
71. Just start on one side and work your way across
This cat’s 100 percent here for a belly rub. He doesn’t care what his instincts say. He knows he’s safe baring his belly to his owners.
72. You can’t pass until you pay the toll
This little pig decided that no one’s crossing the room until they agree to stop and give her a belly rub. It’s better than answering a riddle — and a lot cuter.
73. It’s too fluffy to resist
This might just be the fluffiest dog I’ve ever seen. If he lived in my house, he wouldn’t have to beg for belly rubs — I’d be dying to give them.
74. He’s been waiting for this
When this fox saw his owner walk up, he was so excited he frantically ran in circles. Maybe he knew what was coming next: an amazing tummy scratch.
You know your pup’s having a good time when the tongue starts to hang out. They’re just so relaxed they can’t keep it in their mouths. Don’t worry, we get it.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: Bored Panda