Why do cats rub their faces against you and other things around them?

Cat owners may notice their pets constantly rubbing their faces against everything. This is often a source of delight for their owners, who often post videos of their pets on social media or forward them to friends. But not everyone understands the true reasons behind this behavior.

Marking territory

This can be a simple animal marking; they can mark not only the surrounding space but also "their" person. This doesn't necessarily mean marking with urine, but also with their scent. Therefore, a cat may rub against corners of the room, furniture, tables, and other objects. Cats have glands near the corners of their eyes and nose that secrete a special secretion; this is how the animal marks "its" territory. It can do this regardless of whether you have other animals. It's important for a cat to know you're theirs and that no one encroaches on you, as they are very possessive.

Exploring the world around him

A cat can use this behavior to explore the world around her. The animal is learning to explore, especially if it's a small kitten separated from its mother early. It's trying to figure out what's hard and what's soft, whether it'll enjoy touching certain objects, and which ones it should stay away from.

Welcomes you

If you've been away from home for a long time, perhaps at work, and your pet is bored and alone, they may rub against you when you return. This behavior is a sign they're missing you and are greeting you once again, sniffing you and checking to make sure no other animal is encroaching on their property.

Asks for something

Not all felines are vocal. Among them, just like among humans, there are also silent ones who speak only on special occasions. A cat can request food, time, and play through touch and affection. This is how they say, "You haven't forgotten about me, have you? Here I am, come play with me," or "Well, I've been hungry all day, where's my food?"

The cat is in "spring"

With the arrival of warm weather and the arrival of spring, cats' reproductive instincts awaken, even if they've been spayed or neutered. During these times, they require increased attention, petting, and human companionship.

Therefore, there's no definitive answer to why a cat might rub its face against you or other objects. To understand your cat, you need to look at its behavior as a whole and then analyze it. The more time you spend with your pet, the better you understand each other.

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