One of the most common—and often confusing—behaviors is a cat rubbing against you, also called “bunting.” Understanding why your cat does this can help you appreciate its unique communication style.
Building Trust and Affection
Forming a strong bond with a cat takes patience. Depending on the cat’s personality and background, it may take months—or even years—to develop a deep, trusting relationship.
The Science of Bunting
When a cat rubs against humans, other animals, or objects, it’s a form of communication. Most of the time, it’s positive, but it’s more than just affection.
Cats have scent glands on their faces, heads, and at the base of their tails. These glands release pheromones, which cats use to mark territory. By rubbing or bunting, a cat is leaving its personal scent, signaling comfort and ownership.
This behavior often serves as a friendly greeting. Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard, DVM, explains that whiskers (vibrissae) act as sensory organs that help cats show affection toward humans.
Rubbing is therefore both affectionate and territorial. It signals that the cat considers you—or an object—part of its environment. Since pheromones fade over time, cats regularly reapply them, which is why your cat may greet you immediately after you return home—not just to say hello, but to re-mark its territory.
