Why Do They Do That?
Answers to Common Questions About Cat Behavior
"Body Rubbing"

Whenever I walk in the house, my cat rubs against my legs. Is he hungry, or lonely, or looking for affection, or what?

          Cats...and in fact, many different kinds of animals...rub against things for several different reasons. Despite their often-aloof personalities, cats are quite affectionate animals. So a lazy rub against your ankles might be to show affection. "Welcome home, now feed me."

          But rubbing serves a much more important purpose than just a demand for attention. Your cat is actually marking you as "his" property.

          A dog will lift its leg and urinate on objects around its yard to warn other dogs that this territory belongs to him. The unique scent of his urine serves as a boundary line that other dogs will cross at their own risk. And unless they’re on the chase, usually other dogs will respect that boundary. They will also lift their own leg to mark it themselves; this serves as a kind of canine business card exchange.

          When a cat rubs its head against your leg or arm, special glands behind its ears secrete a unique scent that humans can’t smell--but other cats can. So when you come home from a busy day, your cat will sniff you to learn where you’ve been--and reaffirm, by rubbing, that you belong to him. And then demand his full share of your attention...and perhaps a few delicious kitty treats just to prove that you love him. ;-)

          Isn’t it nice to be owned by a cat?