Cats usually interact in behaviors that depart us feeling puzzled or confused. Regardless that we would discover them to be unusual, many of those behaviors are regular for cats. New cat house owners could also be shocked by simply how a lot their cats will rub their faces in opposition to corners, objects, and even folks. Nonetheless, this motion is frequent feline habits, and also you don’t normally need to be alarmed by it.
Whereas it’s not fully sure why cats will rub their cheeks in opposition to corners, cat behaviorists and specialists do share just a few frequent speculations. Listed here are just a few attainable the explanation why your cat could rub their face on corners.
The 5 Causes Why Cats Rub Their Faces on Corners
1. Marking Territory
One of the vital extensively accepted theories for cats rubbing their faces on corners is that they’re leaving their scent on objects. Cats use scents to speak, and so they have scent glands positioned round their cheeks. When cats rub their faces on objects, they depart behind a scent that different cats can detect. Cats can choose up details about different cats after they sniff these scents.
Cats could are inclined to desire rubbing their cheeks in opposition to corners as a result of corners present the perfect grip for them. Rubbing their faces in opposition to flat partitions might be harder, in order that they’ll normally go for wall and furnishings corners.
![cat-rubbing-its-face-on-wood](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cat-rubbing-its-face-on-wood_bombermoon-Shutterstock.jpg)
2. Greeting
It’s frequent for cats to greet one another by rubbing their faces. This habits allows them to trade scents and be taught extra about one another. In case your cat begins to really feel comfy and likes you, they will begin to rub their cheeks in opposition to you as quickly as you come dwelling to them. You’ll be able to take this as an indication that your cat is greeting you and eager to let that they like that you simply’re dwelling.
It’s essential to notice that not all cats will interact on this habits with people. So, you don’t need to be too involved in case your cat doesn’t rub their cheeks in opposition to you. They’re most likely exhibiting you’re keen on and affection by means of different means and expressions.
3. Wanting Consideration
Cats are observant animals and are fast to know what kinds of behaviors seize your consideration. Subsequently, when you’ve got a behavior of giving your cat consideration after they rub in opposition to you, they’re extra more likely to proceed this habits. This habits is bolstered every time you acknowledge your cat after they rub their face in opposition to you. Consequently, many cats will begin to rub their cheeks in opposition to their house owners after they’re bored, hungry, or feeling lonely.
![Gray-cat-rubbing-against-womans-leg](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Gray-cat-rubbing-against-womans-leg_Gordana-Sermek-Shutterstock.jpg)
4. Displaying Affection
Your cat might also rub their cheeks in opposition to you as a way of exhibiting affection. Much like marking territory, cats depart their scent on folks by rubbing their cheeks in opposition to them. Somewhat than seeing it as possessiveness, you’ll be able to obtain this habits as a praise. Cats gained’t rub their cheeks in opposition to folks they don’t belief or don’t like. So, you’ll be able to take it as an indication that your cat likes you and sees you as considered one of their very own in the event that they begin to rub their cheeks in opposition to you.
5. Stress Aid
The act of rubbing faces in opposition to one thing usually feels comforting and enjoyable for cats. So, they might interact on this habits after they wish to calm down or self-soothe. Typically, cats will start to rub their faces in opposition to one thing after they’re feeling careworn or anxious and wish to settle down.
Cats additionally normally begin to rub their cheeks in opposition to issues after they cool down and really feel comfy in a house. On this context, you’ll be able to take this habits as a very good signal that signifies your cat acknowledges that your house can also be their dwelling.
![cat-rubbing-its-face-on-the-wall](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cat-rubbing-its-face-on-the-wall_Irina-Safonova-Shutterstock.jpg)
Is It Unhealthy if My Cat Rubs Their Faces on The whole lot?
Whereas rubbing faces on objects and folks is frequent habits in cats, there are some circumstances when it could actually point out an underlying drawback. Typically, rubbing faces can change into a compulsive habits, which is normally brought on by a illness or psychological well being concern. For instance, cats can begin to rub their faces and press their head in opposition to issues repeatedly after they have trauma to the pinnacle or nervous system, encephalitis, or tumors. Cats might also resort to compulsive head urgent in the event that they’re underneath a number of stress or have nervousness.
Compulsive habits of this kind can also be usually accompanied by different indicators. Your cat might also show elevated pacing or circling. They might additionally change into disoriented or lack coordination. Typically, you may discover sudden modifications in temper or habits.
When you suspect your cat’s habits is irregular, it’s greatest to contact your veterinarian straight away for a bodily examination. Your veterinarian can diagnose the reason for the habits and supply the suitable remedy.
Conclusion
For essentially the most half, you don’t have to fret in case your cat is rubbing their face in opposition to corners and different objects. The truth is, you’ll be able to take it as a praise in case your cat begins to rub their cheeks in opposition to you. When you do discover that your cat is beginning to rub their face in opposition to issues way more often or discover different modifications of their habits, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of your veterinarian to find out what’s inflicting these modifications.
Featured Picture Credit score: Maria Wan, Shutterstock