Feline Communication 33
Tactile Communication
Tactile communication between cats includes sniffing, allorubbing (rubbing against
each other) and allogrooming (grooming each other; allo – from the Greek allos mean-
ing ‘other’). When these behaviours occur mutually it can be a sign of a positive rela-
tionship between two or more cats. Attempts at friendly interactions are not always
reciprocated, however, and might even be rebuffed with an aggressive response. Similar
behaviours are also frequently directed towards humans and other animals, such as
other household pets with which the cat has a good relationship. Some of these behav-
iours, such as rubbing and tail wrapping, might also be associated with olfactory
communication because they allow the transfer of scent between individuals.
Sniffing
Nose touching (or simultaneous nose sniffing) is an affiliative behaviour that often, but
not always, follows a mutual raised tail approach (Fig. 3.10). Observations of feral cat
colonies have shown that this behaviour is more likely to be initiated by males than
females (Cafazzo and Natoli, 2009). Investigatory sniffing of the rear or other areas of
the body is more likely to follow a lowered tail approach so might be less likely to be
directed towards a socially bonded or preferred individual (Brown, 1993).
Allorubbing
Mutual rubbing of heads, cheeks and flanks also occurs between socially bonded
individuals and almost always follows a raised tail approach by the initiator (Brown,
Fig. 3.10. Nose touch, an affiliative greeting behaviour.