Many cats who are amenable to having their shoulders and backs combed are resistant to anyone combing their bellies. However, gunk, dirt, mats, and other undesirable things can accumulate on kitty's undercarriage just as they can on other parts of the body. So there are definite advantages to getting your cat to let you comb in that area.

Here's one approach to acclimating your "just on top, please" cat to belly-combing. The usual caveat to cat-related endeavors—"your results may vary"—applies. In addition, any new routine involving a feline-human combination tends to proceed best when the two parties have developed a trusting and caring relationship.

(Note: In this article, "comb" also refers to any brush that can make its way through your cat's fur and pick up loose fur, dirt, and other extraneous particles.)