When it comes to your cat, you will want to understand its behavior throughout the day. One of the more intriguing occurrences involves a cat walking up to you and beginning to wag its tail in your face! It can be confusing and something that will make you wonder, why do cats wag their tails in your face?
Cats will wag their tails in your face to show affection and show they’re willing to engage in physical contact (i.e. petting). This can include purring and a general desire to be around you.
Many cats will do this in the wild as a sign of affection and the same applies to humans they’re close with.
Key factors include:
- Purring
- Time Spent Near You
- Bond With You
If you are asking “Why do cats wag their tails in your face?” then you will realize this is unique behavior. It is something that will make you wonder what’s going on and whether or not the cat is trying to signal to you.
Since cats can’t speak, they will use physical cues as a way to show they want something. This can include walking up to you and wagging their tail in your face or rubbing against you.
This is nothing to be worried about and it is indeed a good sign that they are close to you or feel safe in your presence.
This article is going to focus on answering “Why do cats wag their tails in your face?” while also illustrating what the reasons might be for a cat wanting to be around you all the time.
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Reasons For Why Cats Wag Their Tails in Your Face
1. Seeking Affection
It can be something as straightforward as the cat wanting to seek affection from you.
A cat that is wants to be around you is going to try to show it in many different ways. This is the same as a cat that tries to hide around the house when it doesn’t want to be in your vicinity!
In this case, you are in luck because the cat is showing it wants to be petted and held.
This is something that a lot of cat owners try to look for when bonding with their pet. If you want to look for a sign, it is best to look for such obvious signs such as a cat rubbing its tail against your body or face.

2. Bonding With You
When asking “Why do cats wag their tails in your face?” you will have to realize the cat doesn’t have too many ways of letting you know it enjoys your company.
Now, some are going to just be in the same room as you while others are going to want a more physical connection.
This will depend on the cat and its personality .
Since each cat is unique, some are going to make you ask “Why do cats wag their tails in your face?”
This is when they will walk up to you and begin to rub their tail against your body. It is normal for this to happen and they would do this with other cats too.

3. Rubbing Their Scent On You
In some cases, a cat will just want to rub its scent on you.
This is a way of claiming its territory and bonding with you. Cats do prefer to do this around the house and will often include their owner in this.
If you notice similar behavior then it might just come down to the cat wanting to spread its scent around the property.
Pay attention to what it does afterwards.
If it wants to be petted, the cat will look to go closer to your hand.
Related Questions
1. Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails When Lying Down?
Cats will wag their tails when lying down as a sign of contentment and happiness. This is often a sign they are comfortable where they are and are relaxing.
2. Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails While Sleeping?
Cats will wag their tails when sleeping as a sign to let you know they’re aware of your presence. However, they will continue sleeping if they feel safe with you walking around or being in the same place as them.
Final Thoughts
“Why do cats wag their tails in your face?”
Cats can say a lot with nothing more than their tail. When it is wagged in your face, this means the cat wants to be petted and/or bond with you.
Here is more on cats – cats that pee on towels, putting alkaline water in a bowl for cats, the right toothpaste for cats, and how to manage a cat’s claws.