Why Do Cats Rub Against You?

Why do cats rub against you? This is the most common questions asked by pet owners, but the answer might surprise you. Rubbing against your legs and lower body isn’t just an attempt to get you to give them more attention or pets.

It’s a way of communication, and it has much more to do with marking you than with expressing affection. Let’s dig into why cats rub against people, how they interpret the behaviour, and what it means when your cat rubs against you or other people in your household.

How to Tell If your Cat Wants Attention

Cats are masters of communication, but it can be difficult to tell what they’re trying to say. One way is by observing their behaviour. For example, cats who want attention will often rub against your legs or lower body. They might meow or purr as well.

Ways Cats Show Affection

Cats will often rub against you to show affection. It’s their way of saying hello and letting you know they love you. It may also signify that your cat is asking for attention or wants to be petted. If your cat rubs his face against you, it means marking the scent from his cheek onto your skin and clothing, so other cats know who he belongs to.

How to Encourage Your Cat to Like You

If you want your cat to get used to being around you more, then there are a few things you can do. Here are some helpful tips for getting your cat to rub against you more.

1) Spend time with them. Your cat will approach you and interact with you more frequently the more time you spend with them.

2) Give them attention. When they come up to you, ensure they know that they have your attention and show them affection by petting or talking to them.

3) Play games together.

When Cats Display Aggressive Behavior

Cats are territorial animals, often using their bodies to claim an area as theirs. If your cat rubs against you, it’s probably because they see you as a part of its territory. This is especially true if the cat was previously the only pet in the household but now has to share you with another animal.

Cats also use rubbing as a form of communication between themselves. When your cat rubs against you, it’s not just to mark territory; it’s also a way for her to tell other cats in the house that she has found food or water or that she feels safe in this area.

When Should I Seek Professional Help?

If a cat is rubbing against you, it could mean they’re marking its territory or just feeling affectionate. However, while that might be the case, there are other reasons your cat might be rubbing against you. If they’re doing so regularly and aren’t in heat, they could have an infection like urinary tract infection (UTI). In this case, it’s best to take them to the vet and get them checked out.

What Kind of Professional Help Is Available for My Concerns?

The next step to help a cat that is not using its litter box is to take it to the vet. If there are no health problems, but the cat still refuses to use the litter box, there may be some behavioural problems at work.

It is hard to say what those are without more information about how your cat behaves when it’s away from its litter box, and it may be worth talking with a professional animal behaviourist. Petsmart has a list of certified professionals in your area who can assist you with finding out why your kitty isn’t using their litter box.