A cat that rubs against its owner's legs is not just expressing affection. This gesture hides a whole set of instincts and signals transmitted through body language.
Many people consider this behavior to be a sign of affection, but there is much more to it.
Marking the territory
One of the main reasons why a cat rubs against a person's legs is its natural desire to mark its territory.
Cats have special glands in their skin that secrete pheromones. These chemicals remain on objects the cat comes into contact with, including human feet.
In this way, the cat asserts its rights to the territory and the people it lives with, showing that they belong to it. This behavior also helps the cat feel safer in the presence of familiar smells.
Attracting attention
Cats often use leg rubbing as a way to get their owner's attention. This can happen when the cat is hungry, wants to play, or just needs attention.
Rubbing against your legs can be a kind of reminder of her presence. The cat knows that such a gesture will elicit a response from the person, whether it is petting, feeding or playing.
This method of communication is especially common among cats who are accustomed to receiving a response from their owner.
Showing affection
Although leg rubbing has a primarily utilitarian function, it also serves as a means of expressing affection. Cats, like many other animals, show their love through physical contact.
Rubbing against legs shows that the cat feels comfortable around the person and trusts him. Often, this gesture is accompanied by purring, which increases the feeling of satisfaction and calm in the animal. This is a sign that the cat is happy with its surroundings and relationship with the owner.
Smell as a means of communication
Smell plays a key role in the life of cats. By rubbing against legs, a cat leaves its individual scent, which becomes part of the general environment.
Other animals living in the house recognize these pheromones, which helps them understand who is the owner of this territory.
Scent marks also help a cat feel more confident and calm, knowing that the surrounding area is permeated with her scent.
