Stray cats rub against your legs for affection, mark territory, show trust, bond, seek attention, and manipulate you. Stray cats have similar behaviors to those of cats at home. Some stray cats may have recently been in a home setting and hence are used to living close to humans. However, stray cats born outside a home setting do not understand how to live with humans. In this post, you will learn why stray cats rub against your legs and how to respond.
For affection
Cats have several methods of expressing their love to humans. One of the most common ones is rubbing their body against you. Same as domesticated cats, stray cats long and desire love. They instinctively understand that by showing love, humans can reciprocate. Additionally, some stray cats have not been alone in the street for long and used to have loving families. Therefore, they miss the affection they received and try to get the same from you by rubbing their body on you.
You should respond by being calm and observing the stray cat. Let it rub its body on your legs as long as it desires. If it remains close to you and does not seem hostile, you can touch its head at the base of the ears.
To mark territory
Cats produce a certain scent from their anal area, tail, forehead, cheeks and chin. By rubbing their body against objects and surfaces, they transfer their scent to them, making them part of their territory. When other cats smell the cat’s scent, they understand its presence in the area. When a cat rubs its body against you, it marks you as an object in its territory. Its intention is for other cats in the area to smell its scent and realize that it owns the territory.
Since the cat is courageous and has decided to mark you as part of its territory, it is good to keep calm and let it finish marking you. Such activity cannot harm you and means a lot to the poor cat. Do not scare the cat away.
To show trust
Stray cats rarely interact with humans. Although they do not classify humans as predators, they are part of their biggest worries. Humans are, in most cases, cruel to stray cats. They scare them off, throw things at them, catch them in traps and poison them. They are generally scared of humans and rarely interact with them. Therefore, a stray cat confident enough to approach you and rub its body against you has much trust.
You should respond by being trustworthy. Allow the cat to rub its body against you as much as it desires. If possible, gently touch the base of its ears, being very cautious of its reaction.
To seek your attention
Stray cats have a history of living with humans and have been socialized to interact with humans. One of the lessons they have learnt is to get attention from humans. There are several ways cats get human attention, including meowing, tail slapping, and rubbing their body.
Although it may be difficult to understand why a stray cat is calling for your attention, it is important to indicate that you understand its message with a gentle touch. Also, try to understand why the cat is seeking your attention by taking time to observe it. If it has been coming into your backyard, and you feel safe keeping it, you can try to welcome it to your home.
Creating a bond
Stray cats may try and create a bond with you. Such is possible if you have shown some care, especially by feeding them. They will likely create a bond and retain you as a friend because they like you or hope you will continue to provide for them.
When a stray cat tries to create a bond, it is best to let it. Play along and assure it of your affection by touching it gently.
To manipulate you
Stray cats live in great difficulties because they lack care and provision from humans. As mentioned earlier, stray cats have a history of interacting with humans and understand what it means to be cared for and loved. Without human care, stray cats suffer from diseases, hostile people and hunger. Hunger is one of the most pressing needs for cats since they have to feed themselves. Finding food is challenging, especially if the stray cat has not adapted to living without humans. A cat will rub against your legs to manipulate you to get something to eat. Several people have reported that stray cats rub against their legs, especially when eating at the park. They have also reported that whenever they have such an experience, they always share their food with the cat. When a stray cat rubs against you, it is likely manipulating you to think that it likes you and hence sympathize with it and give it food.
If you are sure that a cat is manipulating you to do something such as provide food, kindly respond by feeding it. The stray cats face the same challenges as homeless people and need the care of the community around them. Be their angel and provide them with food, and make it possible to adopt them and provide them with love and care.
The table below is a summary of why stray cats rub against you and how to respond
Reason |
How to respond |
For affection |
Keep calm and touch it gently at the base of its ears |
To mark territory |
Allow the cat to finish marking you by remaining calm |
To show trust |
Be trustworthy by avoiding any harm to the stray cat |
To seek your attention |
Please indicate that you understand its message with a gentle touch |
Creating a bond |
Play along and assure it of your affection by touching it gently |
To manipulate you |
Feed them or provide whatever you think that they need |
Conclusion
Stray cats have previous experience with humans, unlike feral cats. Therefore, they understand and long for interaction with humans. When they trust you enough, they will likely approach you and rub their body against you. Although it is normal to get scared on such occasions, it is crucial to understand that stray cats are unlikely to cause any harm to you. When a stray cat rubs its body against you, respond appropriately, understanding that they long for human care and love.
FAQ
Does feeding stray cats create more stray cats?
Not really. Most stray cats have valid reasons for being so. Some of them include getting lost, hostile owners and lack of food.
Can I adopt a stray cat?
Yes. If the cat has no problem staying at your home, you can. However, ensure you follow all the necessary legal and health procedures.