You walk through the door.

Your cat appears out of nowhere—winds around your legs, head-butts your hand, purring like a tiny engine.

Or maybe they sidle up while you’re cooking, pressing their cheek along your arm like a furry Post-it note.

It’s sweet.

It’s weirdly grounding.

And if you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my cat do this?” —you’re not alone.

Because that little rub isn’t just affection.

It’s communication. Territory. Trust. Love.

Let’s decode what your cat is really saying when they nudge, bump, or full-on body-roll against you.

“I Like You. You’re Mine.” — The Sweet Science of Cat Rubbing

When your cat rubs against you, they’re doing more than saying hello.

They’re saying: