Cats walk in front of their owners to herd them, get attention and affection, or seek some other reaction from their owners e.g get treats.
According to Bonk, this rubbing typically happens as a sign of affection. "Cats are only going to rub on someone they're comfortable with and want to claim as part of their group," Bonk says. In other words, when your cat weaves between your legs, they're probably not trying to make you fall down the stairs.
Wanting to be fed, wanting to play or simply wanting their owners to stop and pet them are some of the reasons why cats may be underfoot or weaving between your legs, even when you are standing still. You may find your cat especially forceful when its time to eat or when you first come home.
The quick answer is yes, it is normal. The most common reasons cats pounce on their owners are for play and attention. Typically cats who engage in this behavior hide behind a corner or furniture and then suddenly jump out at the owner.
Your body heat gives your cat the security she craves. Basically, your feline friend sees you as one big cushion she can relax on.
Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Raised head: Cats who raise their heads are trying to convey assertiveness or confidence. Cats who are feeling defensive / defensively aggressive will raise their heads to show they're up to the challenge. Headbutts, nose-bumps, and body-rubs: These are all friendly signs, which can sometimes be a greeting.
Rubbing: Affectionate Ownership
It's their way of saying, "Hey, I claim you as mine!" They transfer their scent onto you, almost like marking you as their own. Whether it's a full-body rub or just a gentle forehead or cheek nuzzle, cats are declaring their ownership and seeking your undivided attention.
By pushing their paws in and out they activate these scent glands, so they could be doing this on your lap to mark you as their own and warning other cats to back off.
To show affection
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.
Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but they recognize when you talk to them. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing. It's similar to how you interpret your cat's language by "reading" how they arch their back or swish their tail.
Cats cannot distinguish their owners by staring at them because their faces appear identical when they are at rest. Instead, cats distinguish between humans using sound and smell. Cats learn to identify their owner's voice, and regardless of whether they're wearing cologne, their skin emits a distinct aroma.
If your cat is walking in a zig-zag manner in front of you, then it is likely trying to herd you. This irregular walking pattern is an attempt to guide you toward wherever your cat would like you to go.
Companionship
Your cats know you take good care of them and they consider you to be a good sleeping companion! Contrary to stereotypes, cats enjoy companionship (on their terms). Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely.
Your cat follows you into the bathroom because they want to be a part of this daily ritual. Your cat may also follow you into the bathroom because they associate your routine with something else. For example, your kitty may have figured out you always feed them after your morning shower.
Cats can vary significantly in their comfort level at being carried. Some cats won't let you hold them at all, others might allow it but glare at you with quiet scorn, while still others might absolutely love it, even seeking out a person's arms or shoulders as their preferred perch.
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
No, your cat doesn't actually think you're the mama cat that birthed it. But cats show us a level of affection and respect that is very similar to the way they treat their mama cat. And this sweet fact flies in the face of anyone who thinks cats' “aloof” personality means they don't care about us.
Cats will mark with scent glands on their feet, cheeks, face, and tail as well as with urine. Cheek rubbing (bunting) and scratching (with both the odor from the glands in the footpads and the visual mark) are both forms of marking.
Bunting is when your cat rubs their cheeks on you or an object, head-butts you with their forehead, or rubs their head on you. It's a way for your cat to leave his scent on you, marking their territory. Cats do this when they love something or someone.