Why it happens
-
Scent marks
A cat has scent glands on its cheeks, chin, forehead and at the base of its tail. Rubbing against your legs, the corners of furniture or a door frame, it leaves a smell that marks the place as safe and its own.
-
Saying hello
When you come home, the cat meets you at the door with its tail held straight up and rubs against your legs. Cats that live together greet each other the same way, rubbing heads and flanks.
-
A shared family scent
Cats living together build up a shared scent that tells them who belongs. Rubbing against you, the cat brings you into that circle, and at the same time sniffs out where you have been and what you have touched.
-
Asking for food or attention
A cat rubbing against your legs in the kitchen or by its bowl is very likely reminding you about food. Cats quickly learn that this kind of nudge gets a response.
-
A strange smell in the home
After you visit a home with other animals or bring in new things, the cat rubs against you with extra zeal. It covers the strange smell with its own and settles down again.
What helps
- Respond gently Rubbing is a friendly sign. Bend down, let the cat sniff your hand and stroke its cheeks or chin: the spots many cats like best.
- Watch your step A cat weaving around your feet can trip you on the stairs or in the kitchen. Walk a little slower and look down when carrying hot dishes or shopping, but do not scold the cat for saying hello.
- Do not answer with food every time If every rub earns food, the requests will only grow. Feed at set times and reward the rubbing with a stroke or a short game instead.
- Leave the familiar scent Do not clean the corners and furniture the cat rubs against with strongly scented products. A familiar smell helps it feel safe, especially after a move or building work.
- A scratching post by the door A scratching post or cat tree gives the cat one more place to rub and leave its scent. Put it near the front door or next to a favourite resting spot.
Related product categories
The links lead to product categories, not to a particular product or brand. They are not a recommendation.
When it is a question for a vet
Rubbing against your legs is not a sign of illness. See a vet if the cat suddenly stops seeking contact, hides, avoids being touched or seems sore, if it keeps rubbing its head or an ear against things or tilts its head, or if you notice a swelling on its cheek or chin.