All cat owners have surely seen their cats rubbing up against things. If you are just as curious as your feline friend, you may wonder why he does it so much.
There are many reasons why your cat may be rubbing against objects or people, so we have made a list of 6 common reasons for you to satisfy your curiosity.
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The 6 Reasons Why Cats Rub Against Objects and People
1. Your Cat Is Saying “Hello”
If you have just arrived home or your cat has woken up from a nap, he may be rubbing his head against you as a greeting. This is a great sign, as it means that your cat has missed you and is very happy to see you. You will most often notice this rubbing if you have been away from your cat for an extended period. Feel free to respond to your cat’s greeting with plenty of petting!
2. Your Cat Is Collecting Information
As strange as it may sound, your cat may be rubbing up against objects and people as a way to collect information. If there is something new in your cat’s environment, such as an unfamiliar person or a new piece of furniture, he may be rubbing against it a lot. The reason he is doing that is to gather information about the object.
Many people assume this is an invitation to pet your cat, but that is rarely the case. If your cat is rubbing against a stranger, allow him to size them up before they pet him.
3. They are Claiming Their Territory
Rubbing against objects and people is your cat’s way of claiming territory. When he rubs against something, he marks it with his scent. Once a cat’s scent is on an object or a person, that thing is now associated with him. He will do this often, as his scent will fade over time.
If you have multiple cats in one household, you may also notice them rubbing against each other often. When they do this, they create a communal scent. This helps to establish peace among the group.
4. It Is a Form of Communication
Although cats cannot speak to us, they still have their ways of communicating. Rubbing their heads against you or objects within the room may be a form of communication. Cats will often rub, headbutt, or nibble to communicate their wants and needs.
Your cat may rub his head near his food bowl when hungry or headbutt you if something is wrong. As you grow to know your cat, you will be able to understand his communication style better to know what he is trying to tell you.
5. Your Cat Wants Attention
Some people think cats are unaffectionate and aloof, but that is not true. Cats love to have people’s attention, just on their own terms.
If your cat is rubbing against you more than he rubs against other things in the house, he may be trying to tell you that he wants affection. If you think that your cat is looking for some love, be sure to scratch all his favorite spots.
6. Allergies
If your cat’s rubbing seems excessive, he may suffer from some allergies. Allergies may make your cat feel itchy, and he may be rubbing against objects to relieve that itch.
If you think an allergy may be behind your cat’s constant rubbing, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to pinpoint the cause of the allergy and help you form a treatment plan.
Other Medical Issues that May Cause Excessive Rubbing
Excessive rubbing is likely caused by a medical condition. If you think your cat is rubbing against things too much to be normal, look at some of the possibilities.
Fleas
Your cat may be rubbing against things too much due to fleas irritating him. Fleas can even lead cats to develop allergies, which could contribute to extra itchiness.
Ear Infections
If you notice that your cat’s rubbing tends to be focused around the ears, it may be possible that he has an ear infection. Other signs of an ear infection include discharge, ear swelling, hearing loss, disorientation, and a foul odor from the ear.
Feline Hypersensitivity Disorder
Feline hyperesthesia disorder is not well understood. It is believed that the root issue may lie in psychological, neurological, or even dermatological problems. If your cat has this disorder, he will experience twitching of the lower back, pain when touched, dilated pupils, and exhaustion.
Other Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you think your cat is not well, but none of the above issues sound accurate, look at some of the other symptoms you should pay attention to.
- Tilted head
- Confusion
- Increased appetite or thirst
- Increased meowing, yowling, or hissing
- Significant weight or hair loss
- Itching and overgrooming
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you notice any of these symptoms or believe your cat has any of the medical issues mentioned in this article, reach out to your vet immediately.
Conclusion
Although there is a possibility that your cat is rubbing up against things due to a medical issue, the more likely reality is that he is simply behaving as cats usually do. Of course, pay attention to any other symptoms if you are concerned about their behavior, but otherwise, enjoy your cat showing affection and saying “hello.”
Featured Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock
