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From swishing their tails to staring at the ceiling at seemingly nothing, cat behaviours can be hard to understand, including why they like to throw their little furry bodies against your leg and rub themselves against it. Is it a grand gesture of kitty love? Or are they deviously trying to trip you up? Why do cats rub against you?
Turns out, there are a few reasons why a cat might perform this ritual. Rory the Vet explains all.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
They’re marking their territory
Cats have scent glands containing pheromones around the top of their head, their cheeks and chin as well as the base of their tail. As territorial creatures, they rub these areas against an object, other animals or a human to scent mark by leaving behind their pheromone and thus, marking their territory. Their scents have to be reapplied over time continuously to ensure their pheromone remains.
It’s a sign of affection
Why do cats rub their heads on you? Why do cats rub against your legs? Rubbing and headbutting can be a sign of affection (like kneading or purring) or a friendly greeting. If you return home after a period away and your cat rubs against your legs, it’s usually because they’re very happy to see you. It is a common behaviour with family. A friendly stray cat may also rub against a stranger to say hello.
They see you as being safe
Cats rubbing against you could be a sign that they see you as safe. In cat social circles, they often perform this behaviour with each other to scent mark. This creates a communal scent which allows them to identify which cats can be trusted and which are intruders. If your cat rubs against you, it could indicate that they as part of their inner circle.
They’re potentially ready to mate
If your cat hasn’t been neutered, rubbing against people, objects and animals might signal that they are ready to mate. Unneutered female cats go through a ‘heat cycle’ which makes them much more affectionate with behaviours like this. Other signs include restlessness, lots of vocalisation and a seemingly ‘flirty’ demeaner, for instance, flopping down on their side and rolling on their backs. Neutering your cat can help.
They’re seeking attention
Sometimes cats will rub against you to tell you something. For instance, they might rub against you and a bag of treats to inform you that they’re hungry. Or they might rub against you to get your attention and alert you that their litter box needs changing, or they need fresh water. It’s helpful to learn how to read your cat’s behaviours to garner an understanding of what they need from you.
My cat rubs against me regularly, do I need to be worried?
Rubbing alone is very rarely something to be concerned about. However, if you also notice any of the below, make sure to consult a vet.
- Fur loss
- Scratching
- Skin lesions/sores
- Weight loss/change in appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Head tilt
- Eye flicking
- Increased vocalisation
This includes aggressive rubbing, which could indicate a medical issue such as allergies, fleas or ear infections.
Final Thoughts
All in all, rubbing and headbutting is usually a positive kitty action – your cat is happy to see you! But it’s important to always monitor your feline friend to understand if there is anything more to it. And, as always, seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.
Published on 26/02/2026
