If your cat nuzzles you a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat nuzzle me? The most likely reasons why your cat nuzzles you are that it makes your cat feel safer, it is spreading its scent onto you and that it is being affectionate.
Your cat might nuzzle you for a number of reasons and it might be due to a combination of them. However, the main cause will depend on the context, but there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat nuzzle me?
Below are likely reasons why your cat nuzzles you and what would make each of them more likely.
Your cat is spreading its scent
A part of the reason why your cat nuzzles itself on you is likely to be to spread its scent on to you. Doing this would let other animals know that you are a part of its group and, in turn, would make it be more secure. This would be more likely if your cat rubs itself on all parts of your body.
Your cat is showing you affection
The reason might also be that your cat is being affectionate. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it and if it shows positive body language by doing things such as purring as well.
You make your cat feel safer
Another possible reason is that nuzzling itself on you makes your cat feel safer. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when other animals are around or when there is something else that might be causing it to feel anxious.
Something is causing your cat to feel anxious
It could also be the case that something has been causing your cat to feel anxious and to come and nuzzle itself on you as a way of making it feel safer. This would be more likely if your cat seems to do it more at a time when it is likely to be anxious such as when there are loud noises inside.
Your cat simply likes the feeling of nuzzling you
The cause might also be that your cat simply likes the way it feels to nuzzle itself on you. This would be more likely if it also nuzzles itself on other objects in a similar way. However, in this case, it would also be likely to be the case that it is also spreading its scent around the house. It could also be rubbing an itch which would be more likely if it nuzzles with a certain part of its body.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always nuzzled you
If your cat has not always nuzzled you, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could actually be a sign that your cat has become more comfortable around you if you have not had your cat for long.
If there is a certain time that your cat tends to nuzzle you
It would also help to consider if there is a certain time that your cat tends to nuzzle you. If there is, it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if your cat tends to do it when you start petting it, it would be likely that your cat is showing you affection.
What to do about my cat nuzzling me?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Allow your cat to do it
It is likely that your cat has been doing it naturally because it is showing affection to you, to spread its scent and because it simply likes the feeling. If the behavior does not bother you, the easiest option would simply be to allow your cat to continue doing it.
Show affection towards it yourself
It would also help to show affection towards your cat yourself by doing things such as giving it attention and petting it throughout the day.
Give it distractions
If you do not like it when your cat nuzzles you, one option would be to try giving your cat distractions, such as toys, so that it is less likely to come and nuzzle itself on you.
Why does my cat nuzzle me with its chin?
The most likely reason why your cat nuzzles you with its chin is to rub its scent on to you. This would be more likely if it nuzzles you with the under side of its chin since there are sweat glands there.
Why does my cat nuzzle my neck?
Your cat likely nuzzles your neck because it likes the feeling, to spread its scent onto you and to make itself feel safer. If your cat nuzzles your neck when you are holding it, your cat might also be doing it to help support its weight.
Why does my cat nuzzle my face?
Your cat likely nuzzles your face because it is being affectionate. However, it could also be the case that your cat is trying to get attention from you and it could be the case that your cat is trying to remind you of something such as to feed it.
Why does my cat nuzzle my hair?
It is likely that your cat nuzzles your hair because your cat is being affectionate and it is also trying to spread its scent onto you.
Why does my cat nuzzle my ear?
Your cat likely nuzzles your ear because your cat likes the way it feels and because it is rubbing its scent onto you.
Why does my cat nuzzle my nose?
Your cat likely nuzzles your nose for attention from you or that it is playing. However, it is also likely to be the case that it is doing it to spread its scent onto you and to make your cat feel safer.
Why does my cat nuzzle my hand?
Your cat likely nuzzles your hand because it likes the feeling, it makes your cat feel safer, it is spreading its scent onto you and it is being affectionate.
Why does my cat nuzzle under my chin?
Your cat likely nuzzles under your chin because it likes the feeling, because it is rubbing its scent onto you and because it is showing you affection.
Why does my cat nuzzle my head?
Your cat likely nuzzles your head because it makes your cat feel safer, it is showing you affection and because it is rubbing its scent onto you. It might also be the case that your cat is trying to get attention from you which would be more likely if your cat tends to do it at a certain time such as before you have fed it in the morning.
Why does my cat nuzzle my feet?
Your cat likely nuzzles your feet because it likes the way it feels, it is spreading its scent onto you, it is showing you affection and because it makes your cat feel safer.
Why does my cat nuzzle my armpit?
A likely reason why your cat nuzzles your armpit is that your cat likes the way it smells and because your cat is rubbing its own scent onto you.
Why does my cat nuzzle my arms?
Your cat likely nuzzles your arms because it likes the way it feels, it makes your cat feel safer, your cat is marking its scent onto you and because it is being affectionate.