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Why does my cat rub itself on the carpet?

If your cat has been rubbing itself on the carpet, this post will show you a number of possible reasons why and what you can do about them.

So, why does my cat rub itself on the carpet? Possible reasons why your cat rubs itself on the carpet 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.

Your cat might actually be doing it for multiple reasons and it could be due to a combination of them. 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 themselves on the carpet?

Below are a number of possible causes and what you can do about them.

It has an itch

The reason why your cat has been doing it could just be that it has an itch. This would be more likely if your cat does not rub itself on the carpet constantly and if it only rubs a particular part of its body on the carpet. 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

Another possible cause is that your cat likes the way that it feels to rub itself on the carpet. 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.

Allergies ot a rash

The cause might 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 could 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 itself on smelly things such as grass or mud.

To spread its scent

The reason why your cat does it could be that it is marking its scent on the carpet. 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 carpet.

Fleas

Another possible cause is that your cat 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 carpet 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 carpet

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 carpet

If your cat did not always rub itself on the carpet, 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 carpet

If your cat seems to be rubbing itself on the carpet 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.

How to get my cat to stop rubbing themselves on the carpet?

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 rubbing itself on the carpet 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 carpet, it would be best to get help from a vet.