Help! My Cat is Always Rubbing! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Why does my cat, Blue, always rub on me right after my other cat, Louis, rubs on me?”– Bri
Quick Info about Blue and Louis
Hi Bri,
What you are noticing is a perfectly normal and quite charming part of feline communication. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks, chin, and forehead, and when they rub against you, they are leaving behind pheromones that mark familiarity and belonging. If Louis rubs on you first, he is essentially “including” you in his scent profile. When Blue follows and rubs on you, he is not just reacting to Louis’s scent but actively adding his own, creating a shared group scent.
In multi-cat households where cats are well-bonded, this blended scent works like an invisible signature that says: “we are family.” It helps reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and maintain group harmony. Blue’s behavior is his way of making sure he is part of that shared identity, and it is actually a sign of comfort and connection rather than rivalry. By “re-marking” you after Louis, Blue is simply weaving his scent into the family tapestry, a gentle reminder that you all belong together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola