Cats are fascinating creatures with various quirky behaviors that often leave their human companions scratching their heads in confusion. One such behavior is the tendency for cats to rub their faces on corners, furniture, walls, or other things, also called bunting. So why do cats rub their faces on corners?
Cats rub their face on corners and things to mark their territory, relieve an itch, seek attention, marking familiar paths, comfort and relaxation, feels stress and anxiety, or leave scent marks.
While bunting behavior in felines may seem strange and random, it is categorized into two types: Normal & Abnormal.
In this blog post, we will explore why cat rubs their faces on wall corners, which cause is considered normal and which situation needs attention, and why our feline friends are adopting this behavior.
Key Takeaways:
- Feline usually rubs its face against things for many reasons. Some of them are considered normal, and some can indicate a behavioral issue.
- If your cat is rubbing its head, body or any part of the body occasionally, don’t panic. It’s a natural feline behavior.
- Excessively rubbing and scratching are signs of behavioral or health issues.
- You can overcome 80% of unusual behavior in cats with proper behavioral training and treatment.
Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces on Corners? 9 Reasons
The most common reasons that can make your feline friend fond of rubbing its face against things, furniture, and wall corners are:
1) Marking Territory
Cats Have Scent Glands on their faces and different parts of their body, particularly on their cheeks, the top of their head, the chin, and rare part.
Like spraying Urine, felines use these glands to leave their scent on objects to mark their territory and claiming ownership. Male cats tend to this behavior more than a female cat.
When a kitty rubs its face on a corner, it deposits its scent onto the surface, signaling to other cats in the household or neighborhood that this is their territory.
This behavior is particularly common in indoor and male cats, as they don’t have access to the outdoors to mark their territory in more traditional ways.
2) To Relieve an Itch
What do you do when you feel an itch in your body? Off course, you will rub and scratch your body part to relieve the itch.
Like humans, cats often rub their faces against various objects to relieve themselves from a scratchy feeling in the face or head.
Head rubbing or cat bunting may look odd, but cats use this behavior to relieve themselves from a scratchy feeling they experience in their face or head, usually caused by an irritant on their fur or any skin issue.
3) Comfort and Relaxation
Felines adopt certain behavior for their comfort and relaxation. From scratching doors, climbing curtains, and rubbing against the corners, cats enjoy the behavior and feel comfort and relaxation.
These behaviors help relieve stress and anxiety, which is important for cats naturally predisposed to being independent and solitary creatures.
However, normal cats bunt will be occasionally, if your pet is rubbing its head or body against things excessively, then there can be an issue that needs to be addressed.
4) Communication and Social Interaction
Cats also use their faces to communicate with other cats and human companions.
Rubbing their face on a corner can be a way of greeting or showing affection and communicating a desire for attention or playtime.
Cats bunting allow them to share their scent with other cats in the household, creating a bond and sense of community.
5) Marking Familiar Paths
Cats are creatures of habit and like to have a routine and familiarity with their environment.
Rubbing their faces on things can also be a way for cats to mark a path they frequently use, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity in their surroundings.
This path marking helps them move freely without fear of predators.
6) Seeking Attention
Dogs and cats love their Owner’s attention more. They adopt certain actions and gestures to seek the attention of their Owner.
If your feline friend is rubbing their body against you, lying on your feet, or rubbing their body against things, your pet wants to be cuddled and play with you.
7) Stress and Anxiety
Feline stress and anxiety can manifest in very odd behaviors, such as excessively rubbing its face or body against objects, excessive licking, sucking on blankets and meowing.
This seemingly harmless behavior indicates that your pet is anxious or stressed out and needs help to alleviate these negative feelings.
If you start to notice that your furry friend is exhibiting this behavior, look around the house and see if anything has changed that may be causing the distress.
Often, something as simple as rearranging furniture in the home, unfamiliar surroundings or having a new animal around will cause significant stress for cats.
Other possible causes could be traveling or moving to a new home. It’s important to identify their worries’ source to avoid severe behavioral problems.
8) Feeling Bored
A bored cat can surprise you with odd behaviors, such as chewing nails, licking its body, and avoiding food.
You may also catch your cat rubbing excessively against corners and other objects around the house.
9) Attracting the Mate
Cats are interesting and mysterious creatures having multiple scent glands. They often scent mark its territory to attract another cat.
Yet the method has been a mystery until recently, new research on cats shows that, unlike some animals that use urine, cats often rub their face or other parts of their body to leave the scent of tier body to attract the opposite gender cat for certain desires.
This particularly happens in mating season.
| Normal | Abnormal |
|---|---|
| Marking Territory | Stress and Anxiety |
| Comfort and Relaxation | Boredom |
| Communication and Social Interaction | Excessive Itching |
| Marking Familiar Paths | |
| Seeking Attention | |
| Attracting the Mate |
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How to Stop a cat from Rubbing its face on Things?
With the below experts suggested tips, you can discourage your cat from rubbing their face on things:
Provide scratching posts
Scratching posts allow cats to rub their faces and scratch without damaging your furniture. Try to find a scratching post with a surface that your cat likes, such as carpet or sisal.
Keep your cat busy
Bored cats tend to rub their faces on things. Provide toys that stimulate your cat’s mind and body and engage them in interactive playtime to stop this feline behavior.
Relieve the stress and anxiety of your cat
Stress and anxiety can make cats adopt uncertain behaviors. Try to provide a calm and safe environment for your cat.
You can use calming supplements or medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Don’t let your cat get bored
Boredom can lead to destructive behavior, including rubbing their face on things. Keep your cat entertained with toys, games, and regular playtime.
Give proper attention to your pet
Cats need attention and affection from their owners. Pet parents should spend time with your cat daily by cuddling, playing, and grooming them.
This can help reduce stress and anxiety and make your cat less likely to rub their face on things to seek attention.
Use pheromone sprays
Feline pheromone sprays can help calm cats and discourage them from unusual behaviors. These sprays help reduce stress and anxiety and keep your pet calm.
Contact Veterinarian & Pet Behaviorist
There can be skin or other behavioral issues if your kitty excessively rubs its face or body against objects.
Seek veterinary and animal behavior expert help to avoid any complications.
What are cat scent glands?
Cats have several types of scent glands located throughout their body. These glands produce pheromones and chemical signals cats use to communicate with each other and mark their territory.
Felines’ most commonly known scent glands are on their faces, paws, the base of their tail, and near their anus.
FAQ:
Your cat may nuzzle corners, walls, floor, or other objects because of the presence of sent marks of your pet or another cat. Cats often leave scent marks to attract other cats.
When your kitty rubs their face on you, your hands, or your feet, it means your pet shows affection toward you. Felines can also adopt these gestures to seek your attention or wants to be cuddled.
Cats often lift their bum when you pet them because they enjoy the situation and want you to continue.
Your feline friend often gives you a gentle bite to seek your attention. However, we discourage this behavior. Make sure to properly vaccinate your pet to avoid any health consequences.
Cats often like to lick and rub its face on phones, laptops, and tv because they love the smooth texture of the item’s surface, which gives them comfort. Another reason can be that your pet is attracted to the sound of the item or want to mark these their territory.
My Final Thoughts
Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces On Corners? Is it normal?
70% of feline behavior issues can be easily addressed with behavioral training. Don’t panic if you notice any unusual kitty behavior, such as rubbing head or face against some things, don’t panic.
Cats are like babies and can adopt any cute behavior at any time.
However, if you notice your pet is adopting the behavior and repeating it repeatedly, it’s time to seek the help of a pet behaviorist expert.
Please ask in the comment section if you have any further queries. Our experts will respond shortly.
