A common question amongst cat owners is “why do cats rub against you?”. There are a number of reasons for this such as looking for information, marking their territory, or trying to let you know they want something.
Cat behavior can be very confusing, especially when each one has their own unique personality. Most cat behavior and reactions are dictated by fear and stress, but a cat rubbing against you is generally a very positive sign, and is done in two different ways:
- Mouth: The rub starts with the corner of the mouth with movement until it reaches the ear.
- Head: An affectionate behavior learnt from their mothers known as “bunting”.
Why Do Cats Rub Against You?
#1 Looking for Information
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell which provides them with a lot of information regarding their environment. A cat may greet a new person or visitor by rubbing up against them. Although this may be a sign of friendliness, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be petted.
The main reason behind this behavior is to gather information on the person such where this person came from or if they have animals of their own such as another cat or even a dog.
#2 Marking Their Territory
If your cat is rubbing up against you, then this their way of marking. Cats also mark their territory by rubbing up against various other objects such as tables, doors, the couch, and pretty much everything in your home.
Scent glands are located in a cats forehead, cheeks, chin, and the base of their tail. This special scent is left behind after rubbing against things which cannot be smelt by humans, but other cats can.
This type of behavior is more relaxing and friendly in comparison to spraying which is more territorial. The scent left on an object doesn’t last forever, which is why you find that a cat will keep going back to the same spot to add more markings.
These scents also contain the same pheromones found in synthetic pheromone blends which are a great product for anxious cats.
#3 Affection
If your wondering “why do cats rub against you?”, another reason may be that they are simply looking for affection from you. Cats learn the behavior of head rubbing from their mothers when they are kittens.
This affectionate gesture will still be used even when they are adults. All cats are different but most cats prefer to be stroked around their head including by their eyes, cheeks, and under their chin.
#4 Greeting
You may of noticed this if you have been at work or away for a few hours. When you enter the home, you may notice your kitty come towards you and start rubbing around your ankles. This is their way of greeting you.
If you live in a multiple cat household then you may also notice them doing this kind of behavior with one another. This generally happens either after naps or when food is being served.
#5 Want Or Need
A cat rubbing against you is also their way of saying that they want or need something. If you’ve ever sat down with food and find your cat right next to you either rubbing on your hand or bunting up against your face, this is their way of saying they also want what you have. It can also simply be your cats way of saying “I like you”.
Conclusion
The next time you notice your cat either rubbing up against you or other objects in your home, you should now know exactly what this behaviour means. Remember that rubbing is generally positive behavior and one of those many cute things that kitties do.
