If your cat keeps rubbing itself on the floor, this post will show you a number of possible causes and what would make each of them more likely.
So, why does my cat rub itself on the floor? Possible reasons why your cat rubs itself on the floor are that it has an itch, it likes the feeling, it’s masking its scent, it’s spreading its own scent, fleas, or impacted anal glands.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat has been doing it and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are also some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are a number of things you can do about it.
Why does my cat rub itself on the floor?
Below are a number of possible causes and what you can do about them.
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 the floor constantly and if it only rubs a particular part of its body on the floor. It would also be more likely if your cat rubs the same part of its body on other objects as well such as walls or furniture.
It likes the feeling
An obvious reason why your cat might be doing it is that it might like how it feels. This would be more likely if it has not been doing it excessively and if it has not been behaving unusually in other ways as well.
Related: Why does my cat rub itself on my clothes?
Allergies or a rash
The cause could 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 cause of the rolling could 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 itself on smelly things such as grass or mud.
To spread its scent
The reason why it does it could be that it is marking its scent on the floor. This would be more likely if it also does similar things around the house and if it has been urine marking as well.
Impacted anal glands
The cause could be that it has impacted anal glands. This would be more likely if it has been scooting or dragging its but on the floor.
Fleas
Another possible reason is that it has gotten fleas. This would also be more likely if it has started doing it suddenly, if it has been itching itself a lot as well, it has also been scratching or rubbing other parts of its body as well and if you have found fleas around the house.
It’s playing
Sometimes, cats will also rub themselves on the floor when they are playing. This would be more likely to be the reason if your cat has been doing it when it is playing with toys or when it seems to be full of energy.
Things to consider about your cat rubbing itself on the floor
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 the floor
If your cat did not always rub itself on the floor, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it might be due to things such as fleas, a rash, or impacted anal glands.
What else is different when your cat rubs itself on the floor
If your cat seems to be rubbing itself on the floor at a certain time, it would also 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.
What to do about your cat rubbing itself on the floor
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Treat fleas
If fleas are causing your cat to rub itself on things, it would help to talk to your vet about what you should do to get rid of the flees. You can look here for more tips on dealing with fleas.
Prevent rashes
It would also help to deal with things that might be causing it to have a rash such as a new collar.
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 or playing. Whereas, if it has been doing it excessively or it has been dragging its bum on the floor, it would be best to get help from a vet.