Understanding Your Cat’s Unique Language: Decoding Rubbing, Scratching, and More

Cats are fascinating creatures, often described as having a unique and sometimes mysterious nature. Even devoted cat lovers will agree that felines can switch between being warm and affectionate to quite reserved. Some cats are naturally outgoing, eager to cuddle, and friendly with everyone they meet. However, these are often the exception rather than the rule. Most cat owners find themselves on a journey to truly understand their pet’s sometimes puzzling behavior. The good news is that learning how to interpret feline body language can significantly improve your ability to train and bond with these beloved companions. Among their many behaviors, the act of rubbing against you, often called “bunting,” can be particularly confusing.

Building a Special Relationship with Your Feline Friend

Earning a cat’s trust is a process that takes time and patience. Depending on the individual cat and their past experiences, forging a strong and trusting bond could take months or even years. Because every cat is an individual, there isn’t one universal “feline behavior dictionary.” Small nuances in behavior can differ from one cat to another. However, certain feline instincts tend to guide their actions when they express feelings like affection, fear, aggression, or confusion. Ultimately, it’s up to each owner to carefully observe and learn their own pet’s unique communication signals.

One intriguing cat behavior is their tendency to rub against humans and other animals. Most of the time, this is a positive sign, but it often conveys more than just simple affection. Cats possess special scent glands located around their faces, heads, and at the base of their tails. These glands produce pheromones, which are chemical signals that cats deposit onto their surroundings. So, when a cat rubs or head-butts people or objects, they are essentially marking their territory by leaving behind their unique scent.

In many instances, this behavior is the feline equivalent of a friendly greeting. As Tomeshia Hubbard, DVM, at the Alabama Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Service, explained to Country Living, “Cats also have vibrissae or what we refer to as whiskers on their face. These vibrissae serve as specialized sensory organs or organs of touch which stimulate cats to show affection towards their owners or humans.” So, it’s not just a sign of affection; it’s also a territorial statement. Your cat has just accepted you (or that object) as part of their personal space and has “claimed” you as their own. Since pheromones naturally fade over time, cats need to “reapply” them regularly to feel calm and secure in their environment. This is why when you return home from work, your cat might immediately come to greet you, often rubbing against you to reaffirm their claim on their territory and their connection to you.

Is It a Signal, a Suggestion, or a Sign of Trouble?

Sometimes, the act of bunting can also be a form of investigation. Think of it like how babies explore objects by putting them in their mouths; cats might rub their heads on things to gather information. However, cats are also trying to “size people up” in addition to collecting new sensory data. In these situations, bunting might not be a greeting or an invitation for petting. Therefore, it’s wise not to assume a newly-acquainted cat has immediately taken a liking to you; exercise caution before attempting to stroke them.

Cats can also use rubbing and head-butting as a way to “point,” similar to how humans use their fingers. This highlights why building a strong relationship with your pet and learning their individual cues is so important. For example, a cat might rub against a kitchen cabinet to indicate they are hungry, but rub against the door to signal they want to go outside. Occasionally, an overly aggressive head-butt could be a way for them to communicate that something is wrong. While this kind of rubbing is generally a positive interaction, in some cases, it could point to a larger underlying issue.

If your cat suddenly begins aggressively bunting against people or objects, especially when combined with other new symptoms or behavioral changes, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. Keep an eye out for common signs of illness such as unexpected weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, significant changes in appetite, excessive itching, or overgrooming. According to PetMD, medical conditions that can lead to excessive rubbing include allergies, fleas, ear infections, intracranial disease (problems within the brain), or feline hypersensitivity disorder.

Unraveling More Common Cat Behaviors

Another cat behavior that can be a source of confusion is the tail wag. For dogs, a wagging tail generally indicates happiness and playfulness. However, for cats, a wagging tail can often be a warning sign. As Evelyn Kass, DVM, a veterinarian with Pet Nutrition Doctor, explains, “The tail wag is a sign of heightened excitement, annoyance, or frustration. The thrashing tail generally means ‘stop what you are doing or I am going to get angry and might bite you.'” Alternatively, a cat might also be preparing to pounce on a toy, indicating a focused and alert state.

No “cute cat compilation” video would be complete without a clip of a feline deliberately knocking something off a table, be it a cup, a toy, or even a laptop. This behavior can range from endearing to incredibly frustrating for owners, but it’s actually completely normal for cats. It’s often their way of expressing boredom, engaging in playful antics, satisfying their natural hunting instincts, or simply seeking attention from their humans.

Finally, when cats expose their bellies, it’s often mistakenly taken as an invitation for a belly rub. However, this may not have been the cat’s true intention, and they might react defensively or even aggressively if you attempt to pet their belly. As Sam Meisler, DVM, a veterinarian and founder of PetWellClinic, explained to Reader’s Digest, “When cats expose their bellies to us, they are saying they trust us. But when we take them up on this ‘offer’ by rubbing their bellies, they may retract it with a bite or a scratch, as it was only meant as a form of communication.” Much like in human relationships, respecting boundaries is key to fostering trust and closeness between cats and their human companions.