Experts Explain, Why Cats Rub, Against Their Owners.br 'Newsweek' recently spoke with experts to find br out why cats rub against their owners.br According to the International Cat Association br (TICA), this action is called "bunting" br and is often a way to express affection.br Headbutting is one method, amongst many, cats exhibit to communicate and show affection and admiration to us humans, Vicki Jo Harrison, The International Cat Associationbr (TICA) president, via 'Newsweek'.br Rubbing behavior is usually a sign of marking territory, acceptance, or greetings and adoration.br The TICA president suggests that a cat rubbing its head br or body against you is just a form of greeting br and a way for them to say they are happy to see you.br You may notice this more when you've been br gone for a longer time and return home, Vicki Jo Harrison, The International Cat Associationbr (TICA) president, via 'Newsweek'.br According to 'Newsweek,' cats br are possessive animals that like to claim br humans as part of their territory.br Cats use glands in their cheeks and chin to release br friendly pheromones that usually mean br they are marking you as a friend.br Rubbing and head butting is their way to mark you again with their scent. This allows your cat to reclaim their territory, and increase their endorphins, which gives them a sense of calm, happiness and safety, Vicki Jo Harrison, The International Cat Associationbr (TICA) president, via 'Newsweek'.br Rubbing and head butting is their way to mark you again with their scent. This allows your cat to reclaim their territory, and increase their endorphins, which gives them a sense of calm, happiness and safety, Vicki Jo Harrison, The International Cat Associationbr (TICA) president, via 'Newsweek'.br Cats can also use headbutting and rubbing br as a way to indicate something they need. .