If your cat has been rubbing its face on everything, this post will show you why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat rub its face on everything? Possible reasons why your cat rubs its face on everything are that it has an itch, it likes the feeling, it’s masking its scent, or that it’s spreading its own scent.
Your cat could actually be doing it for a number of different reasons and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are a number of things you can do about it.
Reasons why your cat rubs its face on everything
Below are a number of possible reasons and what would make them more likely to be the main reason.
It has an itch
The cause could just be that your cat has an itch. This would be more likely if your cat does not rub its face on things constantly, it does not do it excessively and if it only rubs a particular part of its face.
It likes the feeling
An obvious reason why your cat might be doing it is that your cat might like how it feels. This would be more likely if your cat has not been doing it excessively and if it has not been behaving unusually in other ways as well.
Allergies ot a rash
The cause could also be that it has gotten a rash or allergies. This would be more likely if it has started doing it suddenly and if it has been scratching itself a lot. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet.
To mask its scent
The reason might also be to mask its scent so that other animals can’t smell it when it is near and so that they don’t know where it’s been. This would be more likely if it tends to rub its face on smelly things such as grass or mud.
To spread its scent
Cats have sweat glands on their faces. The reason why it does it could be that it is marking its scent on the things it’s rubbing its face on. This would be more likely if it also does similar things around the house and if it has been urine marking as well.
It’s showing affection
If your cat rubs its face on you, the cause could be that it is showing affection towards you. This is because cats will often rub their faces on their owner’s when they are being affectionate. This would be more likely to be the reason if your cat rubs its face on you when you are showing affection towards it yourself.
Consider what else is different when your cat rubs its face on things
If your cat seems to be rubbing its face on things at a certain time, it would help to consider what is different about the timing. For example, if it seems to do it more when it is with you, it might be the case that it is just playing, rubbing its scent onto you or showing affection.
What to do about your cat rubbing its face on things
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it or get help
If your cat has not been doing it excessively, it would be more likely to be the case that it is doing it naturally due to things such as having a temporary itch, spreading its scent or playing. Whereas, if it has been doing it excessively, it would help to ask your vet about it when you see them next