Trust

Matisse exhibiting the classic belly-flop:
the exposing of the belly of a carnivorous animal such as a cat or a dog, thought of as a sign of complete submission and trust.
Either that or Matisse thinks of herself as a human.

Everytime I sit on my desk in front of my computer, this cute little kitty comes running from across the room to flop down next to my feet, belly up. Honestly, it does not look as if she is very comfortable in this position... but a cat will do what it wants.

One of the reasons I had adopted Matisse was because of this belly flop.
The day I came to look for cats at the local SPCA, I found the gorgeous little calico in her cage... just staring at me.
She was not an affectionate cat at all. Unlike a lot of kitties who try to gain your trust through head butting, rubbing, and purring, Matisse just sat in her cage, staring.

As soon as I got her out of the cage in the private "meeting room", however, she immediately fell right on her back, fully exposing her belly, and pleaded with her beautiful green eyes.

I fell in love.

So regardless of the adoption counselor's advice that this kitty will not be a purring, affectionate cutie, I took her in and brought her home.
And I am glad that I did, because she is the most loving darling of a cat that I have ever seen in my life.