If your cat – male or female – has ever rubbed his or her face against yours, chances are high you believe this to be a form of affection. You may think it feels like a very cat thing to do, an affectionate way of engaging with you, but not know exactly why or how. I’m going to delve into this topic and explain a few things about cats. Cats have quite a few odd behaviours around human faces. Two of mine sneeze on my face frequently.
Some cats lick their pet parents’ faces. Some put their paws on humans’ faces. Only one of my cats, Avery, frequently rubs his face on mine. We’ve had him for ages and he’s done this since we first got him. He does it more often when he’s moody, like right before he eats or when he’s had extra cuddles and feeling hyper affectionate. Or when he hasn’t had cuddles in a while and gives me what I call “cat kisses”. The others will more often rub their faces on my fingers, hands, or whatever I’m using to pet them. The one that rubs his face on my face is typically the type to rub his face on other things more often. I’ll start by explaining this more general behaviour of a cat rubbing their face on things and people and objects and then get into the face-to-face version later. Why Does My Cat Rub Her Face on Things? When your cat rubs his or her face on things, they are “scenting” or “marking”. These descriptors work, though they mean slightly different things. I’ll describe what they mean and why they explain this common cat behaviour with something you likely already know. “Marking” is like a typically male cat who has not been neutered peeing on spots to mark them as his territory. Dogs and likely other animals do this too. But the fact remains that “marking” is a territory thing. It’s a way of letting others who may sniff know “This is mine. ” This place, this thing, this person, whatever the case may be.Cats have a unique sense of smell, which, if humans possessed, would change our perception of the world. It would make it easier to distinguish between different animals and recognize familiar scents, which are calming and anxiety-reducing. When you introduce a new object, such as a blanket, to your home, your cat’s first reaction is to smell it thoroughly. This initial curiosity fades after a few days as the cat’s natural oils, hair, and sweat make the blanket smell familiar, providing comfort and a sense of ownership.
‘Scenting’ is another term for a cat rubbing its face on objects, which is a form of marking without urinating. Cats use the oil glands on their face and mouth to spread their scent, making objects, people, or places smell like themselves. This behavior is not just about marking territory; it’s also about making the environment feel more familiar and comforting. Licking, grooming, and cleaning serve the same purpose, as seen in how cats care for their young and other cats in the home. Scent marking is subtle but effective. When a cat rubs its face on an object, it’s not only asserting ownership but also spreading its scent to create a sense of safety and familiarity. This behavior is not possessive in a territorial sense but rather a declaration of affection and comfort. Cats find scent marking relaxing, and the benefits are long-lasting, as the scent provides a continuous reassurance of safety and happiness. A cat surrounded by its own scent is a content and relaxed cat. WARE Wood Angled Sisal Cat Scratcher Pad – Amazon / eBay Amazon Basics Large Cat Activity Tree – Amazon / eBayWhen moving to a new home, it’s beneficial to bring along objects that smell like you and your cat without washing them. Lining the carrier with a blanket that smells of your cat can provide comfort. These items signal safety and familiarity, allowing your cat to explore and scent new surroundings, making them feel more secure. Petmate Sky Kennel Airline Approved Pet Cage – Amazon / Chewy The act of cats rubbing their faces on each other or on you might remind you of scenes from ‘The Lion King’, where Simba and Nala rub their faces as a display of affection. Disney accurately portrays this behavior, which is not only intimate but also serves the purpose of scent marking. Cats mark you as their own, creating a sense of safety and comfort. Cats use their breath and the oils on their heads to scentmark. This face rubbing is a way for them to say ‘I love you’ and to gain comfort from someone who smells more like them. It’s a sign of trust, as both you and your cat allow each other to be close enough for scent marking. The blending of scents creates a comforting aroma for both parties. When your cat rubs her face on yours, it signifies love. This behavior is a representation of trust and affection, as your scent becomes more comforting to your cat, and vice versa.
Cats exhibit a unique form of affection towards their human companions through face rubbing. This behavior is a sign of trust and love. When your cat rubs her face against yours, she is marking you as her own, showing that you are part of her clan.
Cats find comfort in the scent of those they trust, and by rubbing their faces on you, they are transferring their scent onto you. This act not only provides them with a sense of security but also serves as a territorial claim, letting other cats know that you belong to them. When a cat rubs her face on you, she is essentially saying that you smell like home. This scent association brings her happiness and reinforces the bond between you two. It’s a way for her to express her love and acceptance of you. Have you ever wondered why cats sometimes rub their faces on their humans? If you own a cat, have you noticed any patterns in this behavior? Perhaps you have some theories on why they do this. I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and opinions on this topic. Feel free to share them in the comments below. For now, I’m off to enjoy some cuddles and cat kisses of my own.
