3 Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against Things (Including You)

Felines are frequently stereotyped as aloof and not overly affectionate. But while they may not always be as friendly as dogs the moment you meet them, once you’ve earned a feline’s trust, they’ll find many ways to show you they love you! However, Mr Whiskers’ body language isn’t always easy to read. You’ve probably noticed your cat sometimes rubs up against things (including you) and wondered what it means. Are they showing affection? Trying to communicate with you? Or is it something else? Below, Cat in a Flat reveals three reasons why your cat rubs against things and what they’re trying to tell you. 

Why does my cat rub against me?

Why does my cat rub against me? There could be a few reasons why your kitty likes to rub up against you. It’s usually your fur friend’s way of saying hello and showing affection—especially if you’re returning home after being gone all day. If your cat greets you at the door and rubs against you, it means they’re excited to see you! Mr Whiskers might rub their heads, cheeks, or body against your legs to show they’re happy you’re back. Also known as ‘bunting’, these displays of love can be accompanied by meows or purrs. However, if it’s excessive, this could also be an indicator that something’s wrong with your feline. Here are the three main reasons your cat rubs against you and other objects. 

Main reasons your cat rubs against things

Affection and bonding

As mentioned above, rubbing against you or ‘bunting’ are ways for your furry friend to show affection and bond with you. When your cat rubs against you, they are also leaving their scent behind. Your kitty has scent glands located in their face, body, and tail, hence they’ll rub against things to mark their territory. You may bring some unfamiliar smells back when you return home, so Mr Whiskers is bunting to try to cover those up with their own scent. They’ll also do the same to your clothing by sleeping on your laundry or in your drawers. Essentially, your kitty wants the world to know that you’re their human! 

Cat care tip: Felines have an incredible sense of smell. This is why it’s important for cat sitters to minimize unfamiliar scents when visiting different kitty clients’ homes. As a five-star cat sitter, you should make sure to thoroughly wash your hands at the beginning and end of each visit. Avoid lotions and perfumes while pet sitting and wear scent-neutral clothes. This will help keep foreign scents to a minimum, so Mr Whiskers feels more comfortable around you. 

They want something

Felines are very routine oriented, and they also learn from past experiences. If you usually feed your fur friend when you get home, they probably associate your appearance with food. So, your cat will rub against you because they’re excited that their source of food is back! Your kitty might also rub against you because it elicits a positive reaction—whether that be treats, cuddles, or attention.

Cat care tip: Despite their reputation for being independent, felines can get lonely when left on their own for long periods. Your fur friend may act particularly delighted to see you when you get home because they miss you. One way to help prevent Mr Whiskers from getting lonely is to book a cat sitter to pop in during the day to provide at-home care and companionship for your kitty. 

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Health issues

In general, rubbing against you and other objects isn’t a cause for worry. But if your cat doesn’t usually rub things and suddenly starts doing it, or if it becomes excessive, this could indicate some sort of health issue. A cat may rub or itch excessively if they are suffering from feline allergies, fleas and ticks, an infection, or some other skin condition. This can escalate to or include over-grooming, and your fur friend may even develop bald spots on their coat. Make sure to keep up with your kitty’s flea and tick treatments and pay a visit to the vet if Mr Whiskers seems to be rubbing more than normal. 

Cat care tip: Watch for other signs your cat might be anxious or in pain. If disproportionate rubbing is accompanied by changes in your kitty’s toilet routine and eating habits, or if they start vocalizing excessively or behaving aggressively, then you need to seek veterinary help. 

Should I stop my cat from rubbing against me?

Should I stop my cat from rubbing against me? You don’t need to prevent your feline from bunting you or other objects. This is normal behavior, and most of the time is just a way for your fur friend to show affection and mark their territory. Soak up the love and respond in kind by gently petting your cat or picking them up for a cuddle! However, if you’re worried about your kitty being overly persistent because they want food or treats, there are a few ways to deter your fur friend from rubbing against you. 

• Don’t reward the behavior. We know it’s hard to resist your cute little house tiger, but it’s important not to reinforce your fur friend’s behavior. If your cat rubs against you at normal mealtimes, that’s perfectly okay. However, avoid over-rewarding your feline with treats every time they bunt you. 
• Adjust their behaviour. Having a kitty constantly underfoot can be a bit of a tripping hazard. If you’re faced with a particularly persistent kitty, try to get out of the way when they begin rubbing you. Alternatively, ignore the rubbing and only reward the cat once they’ve stopped and moved away. This will help deter bunting-to-get-food behavior. 
• Find other ways to bond. There are many great ways to bond with Mr Whiskers. You can teach your fur friend tricks, spend time playing with them, or build trust through brushing and grooming. You only need a few minutes a day to make your cat’s quality of life better! 

Want to learn more about your fascinating feline? Check out our blog to find out what your kitty does when home alone and why your cat loves knocking things off tables.