If your cat has been rubbing itself on your legs, this post will show you a number of possible causes and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat rub itself on my legs? The most likely reason why your cat rubs itself on your legs is that it is spreading its scent onto you and that it is showing you affection.
Since there are actually a number of possible causes, it would help to consider what would make each of them more likely. Once you have a good idea of the main cause, it should become easier to deal with it.
Why does my cat rub itself on my legs?
Below are some possible causes and what would make them more likely.
To spread its scent
The reason why your cat rubs itself on your legs could be to spread its scent onto you. Doing this would let other animals know that you are a part of its pride and, in turn, would make it be more secure. This would be more likely if your cat also rubs itself on other parts of your body as well.
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 itself on your legs constantly, it does not do it excessively and if it only rubs a particular part of its body.
Related: Why does my cat rub its mouth on me?
Affection
The cause 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.
Related: Why does my cat rub itself on me?
It feels safer
A possible cause is that rubbing your legs 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 cause 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
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always rubbed itself on your legs
If your cat did not always rub itself on your legs, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started. If your cat started rubbing itself on your legs suddenly, it could be because it became more comfortable around you and started showing you more affection.
If there is a certain time that your cat tends to rub itself on your legs
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 your legs
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Limit reasons why it might be anxious
It would 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 owner’s legs. If your cat has not been behaving unusually in other ways, it would likely be ok to let it continue doing it.