A cat walking in circles around you probably wants your attention. Walking at your feet and rubbing them is a typical feline greeting that you may see in both your house cat and street cat.
We should keep in mind that rubbing and pacing is normal feline behavior, but unusual squirming, spinning, and a strange gait could be a vestibular disorder or something worth checking out with a vet.
Behavioral reasons why cats circle their owners
• Greeting
Meowing animals are excited when they see their owner. If your cat circles around you when you get home, stand still and enjoy the attention. A cat using this greeting will likely have its tail raised, arched back, and if you pet it, it will most likely lie on its back on the floor and begin to rub itself so that you continue to pet it. Purring will likely be “on” as well.
• Dominance
The cat does not see its owner as a master or superior. Gal animals are considered the equals of humans, which means that a particularly bossy cat can exhibit dominant behavior. Maybe the purring friend is just trying to show you who’s boss at home.
Health problems that can lead to unusual circling in cats
• Vestibular disease
Vestibular disease attacks the vestibular system located in the cat’s inner ear. Gallic animals rely on their ears to maintain a sense of balance and coordination. A cat with vestibular disease often walks in circles, unable to maneuver in a straight line.
• Ear infections
Feline ear infections usually affect the outer ear, usually due to ear mites. The most common symptom of mites is discharge from the ear along with itching.
Also, mites can affect your cat’s sense of balance. In addition to the discomfort caused, bacterial inflammation can spread to the inner ear, so it must be treated in time.
Head trauma
In the case of a blow to the head, if your cat has been playing wildly or has fallen somewhere, it may suffer a concussion. This will leave the pet friend disoriented and confused.
High blood pressure
Excess blood will “rush” to the brain when a cat has hypertension (high blood pressure). This makes the meowing friend feel confused. He will walk in circles and lack basic coordination in his gait, appearing more clumsy than usual.
In conclusion, if your purring friend greets you at the door and rubs against you, he is most likely just saying hello and happy to see you! In such a situation, there is nothing to worry about except to greet the cat with lots of hugs. In case you notice unusual singing of the purring friend and disorientation – it is best to consult a veterinarian.
