Even many years of living with a pet cannot guarantee a complete understanding of its behavior. So many owners wonder why cats rub against their legs? This phenomenon often manifests itself in relationships between humans and animals. In addition, the pet may rub against other objects in the house and even outside it. Therefore, some owners need an explanation for this behavior of their pets.
The animal world differs significantly from the human world in terms of transmitting information. For these purposes, individuals often use odors. In particular, an excellent sense of smell gives cats the ability to quickly determine the position of the prey. This skill is one of the means of survival in the wild. Pets use their sense of smell to find a home or their own young.
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In an apartment, the pet still considers it necessary to limit the limits of its territory. This is the root cause of a cat rubbing against people or furniture, for example. There are special zones on the animal’s body that secrete a special secretion. Most of them are concentrated :
- on the muzzle;
- on the paws;
- around the anus.
It is especially noteworthy when a cat rubs its muzzle against its owner's face. After all, a huge amount of secretion is located in the forehead area. During such a ritual, the animal may purr and look extremely happy. This indicates that the process gives him satisfaction and brings peace. This reaction is associated with the original cause of this phenomenon: the cat feels safe in its territory.
By the way, this instinct is not only associated with creating boundaries. The fact is that cats live in families, and by smell they can determine whether they belong to a pride. Owners of two or more pets may notice that they are rubbing against the same object or corner. This is due to the fact that they belong to the same clan.
The meaning of smells in the cat world
Let’s immediately make a reservation that the cat rubs against the owner’s legs in order to mark him as property and inviolable property! Cats (and dogs too) have three “sources” of personal odor - secretions secreted by glands on the face, between the toes and on the surface of the anus. Another “ink” to mark the territory is urine, which has no “significant” odor without the secretion secreted by those same paranal glands.
Note! When a cat marks territory, it jerks its tail held high to stimulate the paranal glands.
Sometimes, odorous substances are called pheromones; this interpretation is a little incorrect, but sometimes it is appropriate. Some, especially territorial cats, not only rub against their owner, but also lick him. Particularly passionately, the pet eliminates the smell of sweat under the arms and on the legs. We can explain the not entirely hygienic process by the same desire to mark a person with one’s smell.
Note! "Wet deeds" found in shoes also indicate an attempt to leave a mark. It is incorrect to write on a person, but leaving your scent on shoes is quite appropriate. Males can mark hats and outerwear.
How to stop a cat from rubbing against your legs
Pleasant moments
If pets rub against something, then, as a rule, this does not cause negativity in a person. But there are exceptions.
There are people who don't like this behavior. And they are not ready to put up with violation of personal space. If the owner does not want to let the cat too close into his life, then it is worth weaning him from this habit.
- It's worth taking a step back whenever the cat tries to do this.
- The cat should not be rewarded for this process. Pet or give a treat.
The Inexplicable Behavior of Cats
The pet curled up into a ball and hid its face in its paws, you opened the closet and took out a warm sweater... after all, this is a sign, such behavior promises cold. You'd be surprised how many superstitions are associated with cats. For example, in ancient Rus', a cat was allowed into the baby’s cradle so that it could lie down and rub itself. Afterwards the child was put to bed, and he slept soundly.
A cat that rubbed itself against the guest’s legs suggested that the person came with good intentions and did not keep a stone in his bosom. Perhaps this is an exaggeration, but it’s not for nothing that they say that purrs see the energy of people, and they immediately smell cruel and vile bipeds... they scream, hiss and even attack them.
The ginger cat that rubs at your feet absorbs all the negative energy. Why exactly red is unknown. Most likely, this is due to another sign that sunny cats bring happiness, wealth and good luck to the owner. Again, the red cat brings peace to the family and eliminates conflicts, calming down the “separated” husband or wife.
Why and for what purpose does a cat rub against its owner’s legs?
12:20 / 09.13.2019 / Miscellaneous
Many cats love to rub against their owner’s legs, while the animal can clearly express tender feelings, and sometimes the pet’s motives are unclear. The habit of rubbing against legs can be characteristic of even not very affectionate or homeless animals, so there is an opinion that in this way the cat shows its dominance.
Sometimes a cat rubs its legs so often and actively that it causes confusion and anxiety among its owners. Owners worry that their pet is trying to “tell” them something in this way: for example, to report discomfort or illness. Some owners note that the cat begins to rub against its legs before estrus.
Also, the habit of constantly hovering around your feet can be considered a manifestation of the cat’s obsessive nature. Indeed, some animals hover so much around their owner’s feet that they literally do not allow him passage. However, you need to understand that the cat acts instinctively and does not want to annoy the person.
Reasons why a cat rubs against its legs
To understand why a cat rubs against its legs, we must first understand the psychology of our furry pets. Cats are extremely territorial animals; they strive to protect their space from strangers and secure it for themselves. Smells play a leading role in this.
In addition, cats are real owners, and they can view their owner from this position. Therefore, of course, the cat will try to leave its scent on the person. Thus, the pet tries to claim rights to “its” person and scare other cats away from him.
Cats often perceive their owners as family members, and they may try to look after a person like a kitten or, on the contrary, appeal to parental feelings towards themselves. These features of cat psychology are also often reflected in the habit of rubbing against legs.
Need for affection
If you watch how cats that are related or simply live together communicate, you will see that they sometimes also rub their faces. In cat body language, this is a universal expression of warmth and affection. Therefore, cats especially often ask for attention after separation from a person.
When a cat rubs against its legs to express its affection, it will usually purr and ask for petting. For pets, such an expression of feelings is of great importance, because they cannot admit their tender feelings in words. In addition, this indicates that the cat has accepted you into its inner circle and considers you a relative.
To attract attention
Some cats literally curl underfoot, and sometimes owners even trip over them. This often happens when an animal tries to attract attention to itself. Sometimes the cat reminds you in this way that it’s time to fill the bowl with food. Usually in such cases the pet meows demandingly.
Sometimes a cat may rub his legs excessively due to some kind of stress. This is how the animal tries to express a request for help and protection. Sometimes cats get very worried if the owner has not been home for a long time, and when they meet, they rub against their legs for a while and do not allow him passage.
Social interaction
Although cats do not have as developed a social hierarchy as dogs, they also sometimes seek to express their dominance or, conversely, loyalty. If a street cat rubs against your legs, it is highly likely that he is showing in this way who is boss. But sometimes an animal may just ask for a little affection.
If a cat rubs against a guest's legs, it gives a sign that it has accepted him and thus expresses its affection. This gesture can be regarded as a compliment from the owner’s cat, because the animal will not approach a stranger who causes hostility or fear in her.
Territorial reasons
Cats are very attached to the territory in which they live. Like their wild counterparts - tigers and lions - domestic cats also try to mark their home and do this with the help of smell, which is responsible for special glands located on the animal's body.
The same logic applies to pet owners, which is why cats often rub against their legs to leave their scent on a person’s clothes. Many owners pay attention to the fact that cats rub against clothes especially actively when a person has been away for a long time, and, therefore, the smell of the cat could disappear.
Should you stop your cat from rubbing against your legs?
Obviously, foot rubbing is an important ritual in the lives of pets. If you forbid an animal to do this, the cat may experience severe stress, because physical contact and protection of its territory plays a very important role in the life of a pet.
Also, do not drive away or scold the cat. If an animal asks for affection, you need to evaluate whether you pet your pet often enough and whether she has been experiencing stress lately. Usually, if the cat is given enough attention, he does not feel the need to rub his legs annoyingly.
Reasons for concern
If your cat is rubbing her legs and acting restless, this may indicate that she is in heat. Veterinarians do not recommend self-prescribing sedatives and heat suppressants to animals. To help the animal in this case, you must definitely discuss it with a specialist.
Using the Petstory application, you can get an online consultation from a certified veterinarian (consultations are provided by specialists on a contractual basis). If a cat's behavior has changed or alarming symptoms have appeared, the doctor will help assess their character and tell you about the need for examination and treatment.
Download the specialized application for pet owners Petstory on the IOS and Android platforms using the link – https://petstory.ru/prilozhenie-konsultacija-veterinar/.
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Possible negative consequences
Sometimes cats rub so hard that they drool. Some animals are so emotional that saliva literally drips from the mouth as soon as the pet sees the owner or experiences other pleasant stress. The consequences in the form of wet spots everywhere (on furniture, clothes) are not acceptable for everyone. With particular passion, pets slobber on the owner's underwear and other personal belongings. By the way, your phone, wallet, and talismans (which you constantly carry with you) are also “at gunpoint.”
You may not mind the inconvenience, but think about the cat. How worried is she that she manages to bring her body into hyperactive mode? How can you help your pet come to its senses? Firstly, do not rush to self-medicate and prescribe sedatives to your pet, and secondly, observe whether your purr experiences discomfort or depression after the act of “slobber rubbing”. Alarming symptoms are apathy, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, unsteady gait, weakness (the cat lies down helplessly and dozes).
You should start by using special fermions (sold in a pet store). The product is sprayed indoors or onto specific objects. Typically, the composition includes soothing substances and chemical compounds that emit the smell of a cat.
If your pet does not feel more confident, you should contact a veterinarian and, under his supervision, begin a course of sedatives and supportive medications. Stress is often associated with a hidden pathology, so we recommend that you undergo general blood and urine tests for your pet.
Medicinal animals
Many people believe in the healing properties of cats, and this theory has a lot of fans. It is not without reason that in Western countries, “animal therapy” and “pet therapy” - methods of treatment with animals - are often used for therapeutic purposes. Along with dogs, dolphins, horses, rodents, and birds, felines also successfully take part in this process:
- Communication with furry “healers” distracts from long-term therapy and improves the emotional state.
- Animals contribute to the socialization of people with mental disabilities.
- It has been proven that sessions during which a person is with a pet provide the same results as when taking nootropic drugs and antidepressants.
What does a cat symbolize?
If a cat appears in the house, signs and superstitions immediately gain momentum. Royal nature is considered an indispensable companion of witches in the world of mysticism. Graceful, cunning and quick-witted - they personify some of the behavioral traits of their owners. For some people, cats symbolize peace and comfort. For others, it is the personification of selfishness and manipulation. For others, cats are a symbol of wealth and financial well-being. One way or another, most owners equate truly magical powers to their pets, since these animals quite often prove their healing abilities, putting in order both the physical health and moral balance of their owners.
Is there any danger?
Domestic cats who adore their owner pose no danger when they mark their owner's feet or belongings. Owners should be concerned if the animal produces a lot of saliva upon contact and behaves lethargically. Your furry friend may be stressed. It is worth taking him to the veterinarian, who will prescribe the appropriate medications.
Stray cats can carry microorganisms on their fur that, when transmitted to humans, cause serious diseases such as rabies, toxoplasmosis and ringworm.
You should not once again allow a stray cat to rub against your legs, unless the person has a noble goal of taking him with him.
Why you can't call cats by human names
Signs about cats for lonely people are no different from others. But it is noted that these are the ones who can give their pets human names in order to give the animal more humanity. But superstitions say that cats should have cat names, for example, Barsik, Fluffy and others.
Cats are not called by human names for various reasons. For example, for ethical reasons, it will be awkward if a person with the same name comes to visit. But another reason bears a religious imprint; moreover, in Christianity it is forbidden to call cats by names consonant with saints. This is considered desecration. Among other things, there is a theory that a cat with a human name lives shorter and is aggressive. But, in fact, this does not entirely coincide with reality, since there is a lot of evidence to the contrary - happy long-lived cats bear common names of people.
Why shouldn't it be driven away?
A cat is an affectionate, dependent and at the same time freedom-loving animal. Each person takes a small pet into their home for different reasons. Some people need a cat to catch mice, others to absorb negative energy, and still others bring a pet into the house as a full member of the family. But everyone has undoubtedly observed the phenomenon when a cat rubs against a person and surrounding objects.
Cat body language: emotions expressed without words
Cats can't talk because they don't need to. They are quite capable of expressing all their emotions through body language and facial expressions. That is why communication with a cat comes down to understanding its gestures and actions, which can be a whole spectrum.
Cat body language consists of communication using the head, ears, paws, tail, posture and, of course, the eyes. At the same time, communication with a cat should be based on understanding the complex of all gestures as a whole, besides, the animal always tries to express its emotions quite unambiguously.
Conventionally, the body language of cats can be divided into two groups - gestures that are directed directly at the owner (the cat licks his hand, hisses, rushes, rubs), or those that the cat makes as if in relation to itself, but so that the owner I could understand her easily.
They mark territory
Cats have many scent glands on their faces. They are found around the mouth, on the chin, on the cheeks, on the neck and on the ears. When a cat rubs its face against an object, it leaves behind a scent - this is called butting. The height of the object determines how much of the head will be used. These animals also tend to choose conspicuous objects, such as a protruding corner, a wall, the edge of a coffee table or sofa, or even the corner of a book or box. Males tend to mark more things. They also tend to cover up odors left by their fellow creatures.
The cat shows concern
0 In addition, such a gesture can be a manifestation of concern for the owner. Scientists have proven that a cat rubs against its owner, thereby relieving him of poor health, mood and anger. This behavior can be easily noticed when returning from work. The pet meets you and begins to rub against you. It removes from the owner all the negative energy that he has accumulated outside the home.
Why do cats sniff your face while you sleep?
We were all shocked when we woke up to the touch of a cold nose on our cheek. When we open our eyes, we find our cat sniffing our face. It's a rude awakening made even more confusing by the cat's inexplicable actions. Why do cats sniff our faces while we sleep?
Cats sniff us partly to check how we are feeling. With a cat's sense of smell, we can tell a lot about our status by smell. A cat can:
- immediately determine whether we are injured or sick
- Find out the degree of our emotional state
- understand who or what we have recently been in contact with by smell.
- Your cat can also tell if her own scent marks are fading on you.
As for why our cats sniff our faces while we sleep, the most likely answer is ease of access. We tend to shy away from any object that comes close to our face that is beyond our control. Even if we adore our feline companions, we can still shy away when they get in your face. When a cat sleeps, it has the opportunity to sense our state.
Small gifts in the form of killed animals
Often cats, especially those that live in rural areas and have constant access to the street, bring killed mice, lizards or other small animals to their owners
At the same time, owners mistakenly believe that pets, behaving in this way, are trying to curry favor with them, showing their importance and significance.
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In reality everything is different and much more touching. Domestic cats, no matter what dog breeders say about their character, become quite strongly attached to their owners. As a result, they bring killed small animals for them to feed, because they see that a person himself cannot catch a mouse or a lizard for dinner. This is how cats show their care for their owners.
