Tabby Cat

    like to rub against people because it relates to their territorial awareness. A cat’s territory refers to the space that ensures its food and safety. At the same time, it's a “place where it can feel secure.” Because it is familiar with the terrain and routes, it can move around freely, so this is what makes it feel safe.

　　However, this sense of security is not the same throughout the territory. The place considered its own nest is the most reassuring, which is the central area of the territory. As it moves away from the center, the sense of security gradually decreases; the farther to the edge of the territory, the less secure it feels, and areas outside the territory become very anxious places. Therefore, unless in an emergency, cats will not easily leave their own territory.

　　In places where cats feel secure, they release their scent to the surroundings by rubbing against objects. Because when they smell their own scent, they feel safe again; feeling secure, they rub against people, and this repeats.

　　Cats’ cheeks, under the chin, and the back of the head have glands that emit their scent. Scratching those areas releases their scent. These spots are also easily itchy. When tense, they may forget the itchiness, but once relaxed, they feel itchy and want to scratch. Also, to “scratch” these parts, wherever they rub, their scent comes out. The more secure they feel in the central area of the territory, the more they want to rub against things, so the central area becomes an increasingly reassuring place.

　　 are no different; when relaxed, they rub against things, naturally those close by—like the corner of a cabinet, chair legs, the edge of a wastebasket, and people. When rubbing against people, it feels like scratching an itch, so when you see a cat looking very relaxed and secure, you want to scratch it too.(Source：PetsZone)