Stray cats use scents to mark their property or territory, including you when it rubs against your legs. They rub to transfer their scent or pheromones which are located in their chin, cheeks, forehead, tail, and anal area. The rubbing action allows their scent to transfer to you which makes you their “property”. It’s also their way to tell other cats in the area that they were there.
Cats love to rub up against their owners. This movement may involve their entire body or sometimes just their foreheads and cheeks. Most owners see this as a sign of affection and welcome this behaviour.
When cats rub against objects, they are transferring their scent. It is almost as if they are claiming ownership and we are one of their belongings. Your cat head-butting or nuzzling your face deposits scent from glands in their cheek area. Their weaving through your legs, usually as you prepare to feed them, transfers scent from their sides and tails on to you. This behaviour is also an effective way of making sure that they have your full attention.
Credit : Purina
Picture Credit : Google
