2024-07-08
Winning our felines’ trust, especially if they are independent, is one of the biggest achievements of every committed cat parent! Experienced cat owners have acknowledged the importance of respecting boundaries, as a prerequisite for a harmonious relationship with their felines.
However, sometimes it might be very difficult to resist the temptation to cuddle with your kitty even if they are not fully into it... We don’t judge you, though!
If our paw companions are open and attuned to us, and actively seek our attention, they are likely to show specific behaviors like rubbing against us. We love that, don’t we? However, let’s explore this topic a bit further and find out the common reasons for our kitties to rub against us.
Let's start with the first and probably most heartwarming reason for this behavior! Your feline is likely to enjoy spending time with you, and rubbing against you is their way to show you their affection!
By doing so, they initiate interaction, indicating they are willing to be pet or cuddled. Asking for playtime is another possible reason for your cat to look for physical contact.
When cats rub against their owners, they often purr and vibrate, which is another clear sign affirming their affection. This behavior also signifies cats’ trust and desire to be close to their beloved humans, which is one of the most wonderful bonding experiences for both of them!
Rubbing against their owners is not a recent behavior in felines. In fact, it can be traced back to their ancestors, who lived in the wild, where mutual grooming and rubbing against each other were common practices. These behaviors can still be observed in wild cats today.
When your paw companion rubs against you, they are actually mimicking an inherited social behavior, which, in turn, reinforces your bond with them. This behavior helps build a sense of community and belonging, and of course, enhances the trust between you and your feline friend!
By exhibiting this behavior, your cat is showing you that you are a part of their social group, which can be perceived as a high form of compliment and inclusion! Lucky you!
Meowing, purring, hissing, growling, howling- they are various types of vocalization that cats use to communicate their emotions and needs. However, just like in humans and dogs, they also use their body language to show you how they feel and what they want.
By rubbing against you, your kitty may want to show that they are hungry; want to play; want to cuddle; want to go outside, etc. As long as you are the one who can meet their needs, they will find a way to show you what these are.
Rubbing against you is one way for your kitty to communicate their needs to you. You should be mindful of their body language, vocalization, and any changes in their usual behavior, including their appetite and energy. This helps ensure you can properly meet your paw companion’s needs and identify and address any health issues or potentially stressful factors in their environment.
You have probably heard the saying that humans do not own cats, but it is the opposite. This popular phrase underlines the independent nature of felines and also has a solid foundation. Why is that?
Rubbing against us is a behavior that can be perceived as a way to show we are their territory. Simply put, this is their way of marking us. Cats have scent glands located in different body parts such as their paws, tails, forehead, and cheeks, which they use to transfer pheromones to us. By doing so, they are claiming us as a part of their territory and are establishing ownership.
You may wonder why cats need to mark us... This behavior is essential for our beloved felines, as it helps them communicate their presence to other animals. By asserting their “ownership”, they are making their living environment safe, comfortable, and familiar.
Rubbing can also be a way for our felines to seek comfort, especially in stressful or unfamiliar situations. The familiar scent they leave on you can help them feel more secure in their environment.
If you notice your cat has started to rub against you more often than usual, this might be their way to decompress and reduce stress. This behavior is often observed in cats who are experiencing changes in their environments, such as moving to a new home and welcoming new family members (babies or other pets). Changes in the owner’s schedule or having a beloved family member pass away can also induce this behavior.
Sometimes, it can be even subtle changes (for humans) like relocating the food and water bowls and the cat litter, that can cause such behavior as a coping mechanism.
Having said that, we would advise all loving and caring cat parents to be mindful and introduce their felines to new environments gradually. By giving your feline friend time to adapt, making sure their environment is as comfortable as possible (put plush toys, scratching posts, comfortable bedding, providing a separate area for your kitty, etc.), and removing any stress-causing stimuli, you can significantly ease their transition and help them feel secure during a time of change. Remember, that patience and consistency are key factors for success!
While rubbing against their owners is a common behavior in cats, in some cases, it may indicate discomfort and even health issues.
However, if it becomes excessive and is accompanied by other signs such as changes in appetite, lethargy, vocalizations, or grooming habits, it could indicate an underlying medical condition. Moreover, felines dealing with health issues tend to seek places to hide. This behavior has evolutionary roots, as a way for cats in poor health to protect themselves from predators.
In such situations, we highly recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will examine your paw friend and administer the best treatment to address their health problems.
As you might have learned from this article, rubbing against you as a cat behavior, can have different meanings depending on the context and your feline’s personality. Understanding and correctly interpreting these behaviors can help us strengthen our bond with our feline friends, deepen our knowledge of their personalities, and enrich our relationships with them! This also greatly contributes to ensuring our beloved cats live happy and healthy lives!
