If your cat often rubs its nose on you, this post will show you a number of possible reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat rub its nose on me? Possible reasons why your cat rubs its nose on you are that it is spreading its scent onto you, it has an itch, it likes the feeling, or that it is being affectionate.
Your cat might actually be doing it for a number of reasons and it might be due to a combination of causes. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat rub its nose on me?
Below are some possible causes and what would make them more likely.
To spread its scent
Cats have sweat glands on their chin. The reasons why your cat has been rubbing its nose on you could be that it is rubbing its scent onto you as a way of claiming you as belonging to it. This would be more likely if it also rubs itself against you as well.
It has an itch
The cause could also be that it has an itch. This would be more likely if your cat does not do it often and if it rubs its nose using its paws as well.
It’s smelling you
Another possible cause is that it is smelling you. This would be more likely if your cat sniffs you more than it rubs you and if it sniffs the smellier parts of you such as your hands and feet.
Related: Why does my cat rub itself on my legs?
It likes the feeling
The cause could also just be that your cat likes the feeling. This would be more likely if your cat has been rubbing its nose on other things as well.
Related: Why does my cat rub its face on everything?
Affection
The cause could 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.
Things to consider about your cat rubbing its nose on you
Below are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always rubbed its nose on you
If your cat did not always rub its nose on you, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it might be because it became more comfortable around you and it started showing you affection.
What is different when your cat does not rub its nose on you
If your cat seems to be doing it more at a certain time, it would also help to consider what is different about the timing. For example, if your cat only does it when you are petting it, the cause could be that it is showing affection back to you.
What to do about your cat rubbing its nose on you
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
It is not unusual for cats to rub their noses on their owners. If your cat has not been doing it excessively, it would likely be normal behavior.
Get help
If your cat has been rubbing its nose on you and other things constantly, it might be because of a rash. In this case, it could help to ask your vet about it when you take your cat for a checkup next.
Why does my cat rub its nose on things?
The reason why your cat rubs its nose on things could be that it is trying to rub its scent onto the object, smell the object or that it simply likes the feeling.