If your cat has been walking between your legs a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat walk between my legs? Likely reasons why your cat walks between your legs are that it makes your cat feel safer, your cat is rubbing its scent onto you and that it is showing you affection.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat walks between your legs and it could be due to a combination of causes. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat walk between my legs?
Below are likely reasons why your cat walks between your legs and what would make each of them more likely to be the main reason.
It makes your cat feel safer
A possible cause is that being under 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.
Your cat is rubbing its scent onto you
A likely reason is that your cat is rubbing its scent onto you. This would be more likely if your cat rubs itself on you when it does it. By marking its scent onto you, your cat will be able to make other predators less likely to enter its territory and be more safe.
Your cat is anxious
The reason why your cat has been walking between your legs could be that it is anxious. If it is anxious then going between your legs could be helping it to feel more secure and to calm its nerves. This would be more likely if it does it when something might be causing it to be anxious such as another person or pet being around that it doesn’t know or like.
Your cat is being affectionate
Cats will rub themselves against each other when they are being affectionate.This could be why your cat walks between your legs. This would be more likely if your cat tends to rub itself against you and purr when it goes between your legs.
Your cat wants something from you
It could also be the case that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more at a certain time such as before you have fed it in the morning and if it starts meowing at you when it goes between your legs.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always walked between your legs
If your cat did not always walk between your legs, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it could actually be a sign that your cat has become more comfortable around you if you have not owned your cat for long.
The timing of when your cat goes between your legs
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat goes between your legs. If your cat tends to go between your legs at a certain time, it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if it tends to do it first thing in the morning, it might be telling you that it is hungry.
What to do about my cat walking between my legs?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Redirect its focus
One option would be to give your cat other places where it can sit and to redirect your cat over there when it tries to go between your legs. Perhaps you could try putting a cat bed down for it to sit in.
Let it do it
If your cat does not seem to be doing it due to any issues, another option would be to simply let your cat continue doing it.
Limit reasons why your cat 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.
Why does my cat circle my legs?
Your cat likely circles your legs because it is rubbing its scent onto you, it is showing you affection and it is trying to get your attention.
Why does my cat circle my feet?
Your cat likely circles your feet because it is rubbing its scent onto you, it is trying to get attention from you or that it is showing you affection.
Why does my cat circle me in bed?
Your cat likely circles you in bed because it is trying to get something from you such as food which would be more likely if it does it in the morning. It could also be because your cat is trying to find a comfortable spot for itself to sit down in.