A sign of sincere affection
Yes, your cat loves you in its own way! Rubbing against you is often interpreted by behaviorists as a sign of familiarity and attachment. This gesture demonstrates established trust and affectionate recognition. It’s a bit like giving you a hug… the feline way.
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not cold or distant. They simply express their affection differently than dogs, and this gesture is a sweet and precious proof of that.
He’s seeking your attention (and he knows how to get it)
Who hasn’t seen their cat rubbing its head insistently just before mealtime? This behavior can also be a well-practiced way of getting your attention. Between head rubbing, meowing, and running back and forth between your legs, your furry friend knows exactly how to get noticed.
And if you consistently respond with a pat, a treat, or opening a door, you reinforce this behavior… which can quickly become a recurring request. It’s up to you to gently set boundaries if this becomes too frequent!
A feline greeting
When you come home, does your cat often wait for you by the door, greeting you with a rub, a meow, or even a roll on the floor? This “greeting” behavior even has a scientific name: allorubbing . It’s a social ritual among cats living together, which they also adapt for their favorite humans!
According to a 2021 study, 83% of cats greet their owners after a separation, even a brief one. A sweet way of saying, “I missed you.”
Pure sensory pleasure
What if it was simply pleasurable for him? Rubbing is also a source of well-being. Certain areas of his body are particularly sensitive (cheeks, chin, base of the tail), and contact with you – especially if prolonged by a caress – can release pleasure hormones.
This shared moment strengthens your cat’s emotional balance and creates a truly tender bubble between the two of you. A kind of feline massage, in short!
Extra cuddles during pregnancy
If your cat is pregnant, you may have noticed that she becomes more affectionate, more “clingy”. This change in behavior is common: she seeks more contact, comfort, and rubs against you or other members of the household more often.
This is her way of creating a warm environment before the kittens arrive. Every cat remains unique, of course, but this phase of heightened affection is perfectly normal.
