Ever catch your cat sleeping scrunched up in a tight little ball or pawing at her litter (before or after using it) and wondered what it means? It seems like nearly all cats will rub themselves against your legs either for attention, or because they want you to feed them or something. It seems like nearly all cats will rub themselves against your legs either for attention, or because they want you to feed them or something. This can be a substitute “leg” for your cat to rub against. Cat sounds can only provide insight into our cats’ emotions to a point. by Cheryl Lock . They want to rub their scent and get to know your scent, too. You thought that this was just their way of saying hello, but then you notice that they rub against … Behold, a whole new dictionary for cat translation: If you have a cat, you're probably in tune to some of his weirdest tendencies. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. The kind of rubbing I mean is where they rub their face against your leg and then proceed to walk by, rubbing their whole body, including their tail against you and then turn and do it again, all while purring. Dr. Tricia Heine, a veterinarian formerly with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, says,"Cats have scent glands around their mouths, chins, foreheads and lips, so rubbing puts their scent on whatever they are rubbing against." Rubbing Up Against Items Although circling is a classic feline way of maneuvering in and out of your leg area to leave her mark, you may notice that your cat also does this with other things, particularly doors. My cat doesn't do this. Why Do Cats Rub Against You? Why does your cat rub against your legs? Cats communicate with us using body language and if a cat head butts you, he is extremely content, greeting you with love and affection. When a cat is first testing out whether she should trust someone, she may rub against that person's legs. And, as other research also shows, most of our cats' messages don't mean what we've always thought they've meant . Including his crazy response to catnip, the shape he takes when he’s frightened and, of course, his habit of rubbing against you and your guests. Cats have scent glands in their faces. Why does your cat rub against your legs? What does it mean when your cat approaches you and rubs her face from nose to ear on your leg, arm or face? If you have a cat, you're probably in tune to some of his weirdest tendencies. A Weird Cat Behavior Explained. Almost all cat owners have experienced this. Sometimes when cats start this rubbing process, strangers think the cat wants to be pet. He is very open and vulnerable to you exposing his belly as he does and playfully seeking your attention. What does rub against expression mean? Why does your cat rub against your legs? The moving between and rubbing against the legs is called marking, and it happens when they are excited. It means she likes you, and is pleased to see you. Including his crazy response to catnip, the shape he takes when he’s frightened and, of course, his habit of rubbing against you and your guests. Is your cat rubbing on your legs? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. Only females are spayed. When they rub against you, it is an act of greeting and co-mingling scents with you. According to Dr. Jill E. Sackman, senior medical director for BluePearl Veterinary Partners’ Michigan Region, head rubbing is a behavior cats learn as kittens with their mother.