Why your cat rubs against you: A closer look at feline affection

When you come home, does your cat run up and start rubbing against you? It might seem like they're just greeting you. It turns out that's far from the truth. Your furry friend wants to convey an essential message to you.

Cats are extraordinary creatures that become very attached to their owners. Although they don't show it as openly as dogs, it's worth observing them closely. A few seemingly insignificant gestures indicate that your cat has strong feelings for you.

You come home, and your cat runs to you, rubbing intensely against your leg? You've probably wondered more than once what this could mean. There's a widespread belief that a cat rubbing against its owner wants to be scratched.

This is not true. By doing this, your cat is leaving its scent on you, sending a message to other cats that you belong to them. This behaviour is characteristic of members of the feline family, who mark their territory in this way. It's not the only reason cats behave this way. The animal also communicates that it is happy to see you return.

Cats have a unique way of expressing emotions and bonding with their owners. Purring and rubbing signal the cat is happy to see their caretaker.

Moreover, this low, vibrating sound has a therapeutic effect on us, which has been scientifically confirmed. In 2009, a study published in the "Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology" demonstrated that cat purring can significantly impact human health. Scientists have proven that this sound lowers blood pressure, reduces stress levels, alleviates pain, and speeds up wound healing.

The published research highlights how powerful domestic animals, especially cats, can affect our well-being. The sound of purring has a calming effect on us and can be helpful in various therapies, making a cat not just a companion but also a natural therapist.

Kneading is a typical feline behaviour that dates back to when cats were not domesticated. This instinct manifests from birth—kittens knead to stimulate their mother’s lactation. Adult cats continue this behaviour by kneading their beds and sometimes their owners. This way, they express their love and attachment.