You walk through the door and your cat is suddenly there—winding around your legs, pressing their head into your hand, purring as if they’ve been waiting all day. They may trail you from room to room, brushing against your arm or side. It feels warm and familiar, but this simple habit carries meaning that goes far beyond affection alone.
When a cat rubs against you, it’s a form of communication known as bunting or allorubbing. Cats rely heavily on scent to interpret their world, and they have scent glands along their cheeks, head, body, and tail. By rubbing against you, your cat is transferring their scent, essentially marking you as familiar, safe, and trusted. It’s one of the clearest signs that your cat feels secure with you.
Rubbing is also a greeting. Cats don’t wave or call out—they welcome you back with their body. A relaxed posture and upright tail usually mean your cat is genuinely happy to see you. This behavior also has a calming effect for them. The motion releases feel-good chemicals in their brain, helping them relax while reinforcing their emotional bond with you.
Finally, rubbing strengthens social connections. In nature and in multi-cat households, cats rub against one another to maintain group harmony. When your cat does this to you, they’re extending that same social behavior your way. It’s their quiet, instinctive way of saying you’re part of their inner circle—and that you belong right where you are.