Cats read the world through their noses and write their responses by rubbing their heads on people, objects, and other animals to spread their scent. There are many theories about the message your cat may be communicating through rubbing. After doing some research on the subject, it appears there is not one specific answer to this question.
Did you know cats have multiple scent glands?
Cats have multiple scent glands located throughout their body. The scent glands around their mouth, chin, side of face, neck and ears, produce feline facial pheromones which are used to communicate a variety of messages. These scents serve many purposes, some of which are listed below.
- Identify members of the same colony or group
- Define territory
- Create familiarity
- Announce reproductive status
- Bond with one another
- Self-soothe
- Learn more about unfamiliar cats in the environment
Each cat has their own unique scent. When your cat rubs their face on people, objects, or other pets, they are leaving their scent behind and depositing pheromone messages. Our noses aren’t keen to picking up these scents, but cats are able to recognize and identify them with ease. These pheromones provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
When your cat rubs on you, they are reinforcing that you are a part of their club. I like to think of it as a gang, and the rubbing is their initiation ceremony.
Did you know this rubbing behavior is referred to as bunting?
There are plenty of times this affectionate rubbing feels more like a head butt, so the term bunting seems fitting. When your cat bunts or rubs on you, they leave their scent as well as picking up your scent. This mixing of their scent with yours is also their way of declaring acceptance. Bunting can also be considered as a form of time stamping.
Sometimes cats can determine how recently another cat was in the vicinity, which can signal to them it may be time to leave the area. Another theory about bunting when it takes place between cats, is to deflect aggression. Possibly their version of a peaceful smile, indicating there are no bad feelings here.
Using these pheromones to make your cat more comfortable
There are synthesized feline pheromone products available that can be used to make your cat more comfortable. These products are available in sprays and room diffusers, that help eliminate stress and stress-related behaviors.
For example, if your cat isn’t comfortable with the cat carrier you can spray it with Feliway spray to make them feel safe. Similar to how your cat marks people or objects as “safe”, you can use this spray to spread happy messages to your cat.
Keep in mind these synthetic pheromones do not go into your cats bloodstream and there is no risk of exposing your cat to too many pheromones. Feliway products can be found here.
Next time your cat rubs on you, remember they are picking up your scent as well. This mingling of their scent with yours, is their stamp of approval. This form of chemical communication is their way of interacting with each other and the world around them, and can be helpful in identifying stressful behaviors, as well as knowing when they are happy and content in their environment.
Have you been invited into the gang or does your cat snub you? Please comment below. We love hearing from you!
Recent Blog Comments