When a stray cat initiates rubbing against you, it's generally a sign of affection and a way of saying hello, often followed by them moving on. Cats might also approach and rub against you to gather information about their surroundings. Additionally, if a cat is feeling itchy, they might rub against anything they can, including people, for relief. If a cat circles your legs and rubs against them, it might also be an attempt to ask you to adopt them.
Reasons Why a Strange Cat Might Rub Against You
1. A Friendly Greeting
When a strange cat approaches and rubs against you, it's a sign that they find you agreeable and are trying to say hello. Typically, after this brief interaction, the cat will move on.
2. Seeking Adoption
Cats primarily communicate using scent. When they rub against your legs or other body parts, they might be trying to leave their scent on you, which is a way of claiming you as theirs, demonstrating their trust. In this situation, the cat might be trying to signal that they want you to take them home.
3. Gathering Information
A strange cat may also be approaching you to gather information about the environment. If you attempt to touch the cat and it immediately recoils or becomes aggressive, this is likely the reason.
4. Skin Irritation
If a cat is frequently rubbing against people, it might be suffering from skin conditions such as ringworm or fungal infections, causing significant itching. Some areas of their body may be difficult for them to reach with their paws. In such cases, the cat might rub against people to try and soothe their itch by using your clothing as friction.