Decoding Cat Communication: Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Cats always have reasons for what they do. Now, many of these reasons may be obscure and slightly villainous, but of course, we love them anyway.

What are the reasons for your cat brushing up against your legs, though? Are they trying to push you off your feet so you’ll amuse them by falling over? Does touching you just make them feel good? While either of these may be true in some cases, the real answer is probably that they’re trying to tell you something.

The Development of Cat Communication

Before they domesticated themselves—first by learning that there was more food around human towns and finally that these hairless monkeys were actually willing to feed and protect them if they came into houses—cats had no real use for us. In fact, scientists speculate that they spent little time with one another, except when mating and caring for their kittens.

Feral cats used to be solitary hunters. Most of their interactions with others of their own species consisted of yelling at each other to get the heck out of their respective territories. This all changed as groups of them started to immigrate to the vicinity of towns and farms: clusters of people meant grain was being stored, grain storage attracted rats and mice, and cats considered rodents delectable neighbours if not exactly friends.

Soon, cats naturally began developing some feline ground rules for living together in mostly peaceful gangs—technically, and delightfully, called “clowders.” Part of this meant evolving signs to give other cats an indication of their moods and desires. Truly feral, introverted cats don’t have a complicated system of body language involving their tails. Our furry friends came up with this rudimentary language all by themselves!

Then came living with humans. Ornery idiots that we are, we couldn’t understand the subtleties of cat communication. Cats therefore adapted by expanding their repertoire of ways to get a message across. While they haven’t yet mastered words, they do use their voices to “talk” to humans, often in ways other cats just wouldn’t respond to. They also expanded their body language vocabulary, especially once they saw what people responded to.

Honestly, I like to think I know something about feline behaviour, and sometimes I still don’t know why my cats rub against me. By learning their habits and picking up on other cues, though, you can generally get a better idea of what they’re feeling and what they want.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

You don’t always know how to tell if your cat likes you unless you pay close attention to all aspects of their behaviour. Most people will say that brushing or leaning against you is a way for cats to show affection, and they’re not wrong, but there is often something more to this kind of touch.

You Belong to Me, Monkey!

Though our human noses are too obtuse to notice, a lot of cat communication actually relies on scent rather than sound or body language. Each cat has a special, individual scent they emit from

glands located around their hindquarters and heads—one reason why a pet on the forehead is so special to them.

They use these personal scents to stake out their territory. More importantly, they brush up against their friends and family to mingle all their smells (a habit that’s called “bunting”). Pretty soon, they possess a kind of group scent. When they smell this mixed odour, they know they’re safely among friends; if some interloper catches a whiff of it, the stranger will hopefully realise that they’ve not been accepted as part of the in-crowd and should be on their best behaviour.

So, when your cat casually caresses you in passing, they may literally be marking you as their possession. They do the same with their fellow pets and favourite toys. Note, though, that this doesn’t really have anything to do with ownership or dominance, which are both concepts that are a little foreign to most cats. Instead, head-bumping your shoulder or rubbing against your leg can mean, “You are part of my tribe.” (Or, for that matter, their “clowder”.)

Feed the Feline, Fool!

Cat owners fully admit that we care greatly for our mischievous, manipulative, mercenary-minded, monomaniacal monsters. We acknowledge their contrary and somewhat self-centred natures, setting us apart from the kind of dog lovers who actually believe their smelly monsters somehow love them just for their personalities.

We also know (and enjoy) how they use their feline wiles to get us to do their bidding. At certain times of day, the reason why my cat rubs against me has little to do with affection. If I don’t break

out the kibble soon, Persephone is going to start biting my ankle to make the same point. I swear, every part of that cat is either as soft as a cloud or as sharp as a razor! Getting an automatic feeder that runs on a timer has enabled me to enjoy more of the former while enduring less of the latter.

This whole business is a lot less cynical than it may seem, though. A big part of cat culture involves the exchange of gifts, whether a ferocious-looking leaf Faust managed to catch in the garden or regular portions of their favourite snacks. Therefore, don’t ask, “Why does my cat rub against me only around mealtimes?”. It only means they become extraordinarily affectionate when you’re holding up your end of the bargain, preferring to love you from a distance the rest of the time.

I Luv Yoo, Hooman!

There are many ways in which felines show their affection, from spending a lot of time in your vicinity to kneading your flesh with their little paws. Rubbing their flanks against your legs, whether just in passing when you come home or cuddling your ankles more forcefully, often means no more than this.

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the right one. Leaning against you can be an expression of genuine affection and not just a sign of familiarity or some kind of need. Congratulations! You’ve been doing a good job as a cat owner and may sleep safely in your bed…for the time being.

Remember to reciprocate their demonstration of love. Cats really enjoy the warmth and other sensations that come with caresses and snuggling. Simple tactile interaction is the easiest way to form a lasting bond between you and your cat.

Pay Attention to Meeee!

To cats, despite their individualistic and sometimes solitary nature, it’s a great insult to be shunned or ignored. Of course, they often do the same thing to us but, hey, I don’t make the rules.

Let’s say you’ve been away from home for a while or spent too much time concentrating on the TV and your Lord of the Rings marathon. A cat rubbing against you can be a sign that they’re feeling lonely and would like you to acknowledge them.

This could be something like a handshake, just letting you know they’re still there. Even strange or semi-feral cats, if comfortable with people, may touch you in this way; these are probably just saying hello and aren’t necessarily looking for pets. Alternatively, prolonged or repeated rubbing could be more like a hug and a demand that you reaffirm your bond with them with some playtime or cuddles.

I’m Tiny and Scared!

Like humans, cats find physical contact with someone they trust to be a source of contentment and reassurance. Unlike with humans, scent is a big part of the experience for them—you may even hear them sniffing as they’re drilling their forehead into your chest.

We talked a minute ago about how cats rub against people and objects in order to spread and share their scent. The mixed, familiar smells of you, they, and your house are very comforting to them, kind of like how you might enjoy hearing the welcoming accent of your home town.

Therefore, if they’ve recently had a shock—an encounter with the veterinarian, a run-in with the neighbour’s dog, or trying to adjust to a new cat you’ve adopted—they may be looking for reassurance when rubbing against your legs.

Why Does My Cat Constantly Rub Against Me?

A normally reserved cat suddenly looking for lots of physical contact may well make it seem they’ve finally accepted you and now think you’re the best thing next to shrimp. Don’t pat yourself on the back just yet, though: any abrupt change in a kitty’s behaviour can be an indication that all is not well.

Physical discomfort or emotional stress can also lead to a cat rubbing against their human more often. Look for changes in their environment or routine that may have upset them. Are they showing any physical symptoms you should be concerned about?

Don’t get yourself in a tizzy; it’s most probably nothing. Still, if this unexplained behaviour persists, you may want to get them checked out by a vet.

Final Thoughts: Why Do Cats Rub Against Us?

When your cat jogs through your legs or weaves around them, chances are that they’re not trying to trip you. Instead, it’s usually a sign that they’re strongly attached to you.

That, however, isn’t necessarily the whole story. Your cat may well be trying to tell you that they want something, and their needs range from the simple and physical to the emotionally complex. The best advice is to use context to interpret their message. If, for example, your cat is swirling between your ankles while you’re preparing seafood, she’s just greedy. If, on the other hand, she stops leaning against you after you’ve been away for the weekend, she’s probably relieved that you’re back and could use a little attention and bonding.