What does it mean when a cat rubs its head against your hand?

Rubbing its head against your hand is possibly a way for the cat to express its liking for you or to be cute in order to get you to play with it. Additionally, since cats have a strong sense of territory, they may rub their heads against your hand to leave their scent on you, declaring their ownership. So when the cat exhibits this behavior, you can give it a certain response, such as stroking its head, playing with it, or giving it some snacks, which helps deepen the bond between you and the cat.

Expressing Affection

Rubbing its head against your hand is one way for the cat to show its affection. Generally, cats will only rub against people they are familiar with, and they remain vigilant around strangers. Therefore, if the cat always rubs its head against your hand, it means it really likes and trusts you.

Being Cute

Sometimes, a cat rubbing its head against your hand is also a way to be cute and ask for your attention. It may even emit purring sounds, usually wanting you to play with it or give it food. When the cat is being cute like this, you can take the time to accompany it more, stroke it more, and reward it with snacks, so that it can feel that its cuteness has been responded to by you.

Leaving Its Scent

Because the cat's head can secrete a scent, when it rubs its head against your hand, it will transfer its scent to your hand, which is a way to declare ownership. They also like to rub against soft toys at home and other items, all of which are acts of the cat declaring its ownership. You don't need to interfere too much in this behavior.