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Why does my cat rub itself on me?

If your cat keeps rubbing itself on you, this post will show you why and what you can do about it.

So, why does my cat rub itself on me? The most likely reason why your cat rubs itself on you is to spread its scent onto you and to show affection.

There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat rubs itself on you and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.

Reasons why your cat rubs itself on you

Below are some possible causes and what would make them more likely.

To spread its scent

The reason why your cat rubs 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 also rubs itself on all parts of your body as well.

It has an itch

The reason could just be that your cat has an itch. This would be more likely if your cat does not rub itself on you constantly, it does not do it excessively, it rubs itself on other things and if it only rubs a particular part of its body.

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.

It feels safer

A possible reason is that rubbing 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.

It wants something

Another possible reason is that your cat is waiting to get something from you. This would be more likely if your cat does it more at a certain time such as before you have fed it.

Things to consider about your cat rubbing itself on you

Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.

If your cat has always rubbed itself on you

If your cat did not always rub itself on you, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started. If your cat started rubbing itself on you suddenly, it could be because it became more comfortable around you and started showing you more affection. This would be more likely if you have not owned your cat for long.

If there is a certain time that your cat tends to rub itself on you

It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat tends to do it. For example, if it does it more just before getting fed, it would be more likely that it is reminding you to feed it.

What to do about your cat rubbing itself on you

Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.

Limit reasons why it might be anxious

It could help to limit reasons why your cat might get fearful when you are not around. Ways to do so could include letting your cat stay in a different room than your dog if you have one or letting your cat stay in a quieter room.

Let it do it

It is not unusual for cats to rub themselves on their owners. If your cat has not been behaving unusually in other ways, it would likely be ok to let it continue doing it.