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Any cat owner will know that they decide when it's time to pet them. So when they do the characteristic 'flop' in front of you, sliding onto the floor and presenting their bellies, it can be incredibly tempting to pet them - but is it a trap? Are they going to playfully bite your hand as soon as you extend it?

According to a UK-registered clinical behaviourist, there's normally an adorable reason why cats do this move. However, it's not always an invitation to rub their bellies.

Amanda Campion, a cat behaviourist with over 30 years experience of caring for cats, has explained the reason in a recent clip to her @kittysittycatbehaviour TikTok account. Amanda explained: "Cat flopping on its side is an invitation to interact and and offer trust, but it doesn't always mean touch the belly."

According to Amanda, it shows "trust, comfort and a willingness to show vulnerability" and that they "trust you". However, sometimes it can be that your pet is in a "playful mood," and wants to show you so you can interact with them.

You can tell which mood they are in from looking at their body language, according to the behaviourist. "Watch their body language," Amanad said. "If they seem relaxed, then their body will be very, very soft. If they feel tense, then their body will be much, much tighter. If their tail flicks, or their ears flatten, they definitely don't want any attention and they don't want that belly rubbed."

The expert warned that you should "always respect their body cues," because it will "Help build your relationship with them". Amanda added: "So less is very often more. Let cats come to you."

Many cat owners could recognise this situation, and how confusing it can be. Taking to the comments section, one cat owner wrote: "My cat does this but when I walk over to her to give her pets, she jumps up and runs away and finds another spot to skip over and purr, it's so confusing."

Another wrote: "Hehe mine always does forward rolls into a flop over my feet. Too cute." A third commented: "Consent is so key to a positive relationship with a cat... like I rub my cats cheeks and always pause for a second, if he leans in he wants more and I continue. if he turns away I stop."

According to Phyllis Meyer, a certified Veterinary Technician in Colorado in the US, this move is called the "social roll", and they do this when playing with toys, greeting humans, when inviting people to play, or when they're feeling good and find a good spot to lie.

If your cat rolls over and shows you the belly, you can greet them and allow them to sniff your hand before giving a head rub and some playtime. She added: "Although it may seem that he is begging you to rub his belly, most cats are just letting you know that they feel playful, safe and secure.

"Your cat may view rubbing his tummy as aggressive and respond with teeth and claws! Of course, there are cats who seem to enjoy a belly rub. Make sure that you know the cat before putting your hand into the 'bear trap'."