You adore your feline, and you can assume that they feel the same way about you most of the time. You shower them with sweets, buy them endless toys, and buy soft beds one after another. However, your cat won't truly feel at ease until your entire house smells like them, regardless of all that lavish display of affection. You are included in that as well. Which brings us to the topic of headbutting. Your cat is leaving a small amount of their scent upon you when they gently press their tiny head against the skin of your leg or place their forehead against yours.
What does it mean if a cat's head bumps you?
What does it mean if a cat's head bumps you?
A cat may smash their head on yours and rub their face across yours if you are exceptionally fortunate to be their favorite human. Oh, how sweet. This head-on-head contact behavior can occasionally be forceful, like a cat headbutt. However, head bunting is the proper phrase for this cutesy behavior. Whenever a cat rubs its nose against something, its fragrance is released onto a different surface, a behavior known as head bunting. Read This: What is a cat's bunting behavior?
The causes of your cat's headbutts
1 - I'm putting a mark on you!
Cats use pheromones, in addition to sound and touch, to communicate. Animals create compounds called pheromones, which, when scented, convey a specific "message." They can say something like "I am here," "I am fertile," or "my territory."
Pheromones are produced by glands on cats' faces, especially the foreheads, which produce an abundance of pheromones. Cats are therefore spreading their scent around you when they headbutt or bunt you. Your cat may be indicating that you are a part of its territory in order to keep other cats away from you, but more often than not, they are simply letting you know that things are theirs. We believe that headbutting serves as more of a way for the cat to establish a safe haven for itself, because the most common way that cats mark to alert other cats is with urine or excrement.
2 - Getting Along
Cats headbutt to communicate with one another in the wild, especially in wild cat colonies. Pheromone sharing is a way for cats to bond and feel accepted. Your cat can be informing you that you're an important part of their "colony" if you are fortunate enough to receive a headbutt from them. You are pals with them!
3 - Soothing
Not only do cats enjoy the scent of other cats, but they also enjoy their own aroma. It calms them down in a manner akin to purring. They are producing pheromones that they can smell to make you happy when they rub against you. Your cat must be twice as happy if they are headbutting and purring. Imagine it as being similar to detecting the comforting aroma of your house or a happy environment.
Why doesn't my cat ever give me a headshake?
When cats are comfortable and know their surroundings, they often give each other a headbutt. Therefore, nervous or new cats might not feel comfortable enough to headbutt. Instead, they might even be more inclined to spray pee to leave a mark. The easiest technique to acclimate your cat to your home and initiate friendly headbutts with these cats is to create a safe, peaceful environment with lots of patience.
Some felines just refuse to headbutt! Not every cat exhibits every behavior, and your cat can decide to use a different method to disperse pheromones. Very shy cats could not be sufficiently secure to approach you, while more aloof cats might not feel any special affection for the person who owns them and might not desire to headbutt you. They might not be keen on headbutting if they are generally content!
If the cat has ceased headbutting, it may be a sign that they are stressed out or no longer feel comfortable in their surroundings. A new pet or person, construction work, recent stress, illnesses, pain, fear, or other causes could be to blame for this. If this happens, it could be worthwhile to try to get their headbutting again by discussing with your veterinarian.
Might there be another reason?
Some felines just refuse to headbutt! Not every cat exhibits every behavior, and your cat can decide to use a different method to disperse pheromones. Very shy cats could not be sufficiently secure to approach you, while more aloof cats might not feel any special affection for the person who owns them and might not desire to headbutt you. They might not be keen on headbutting if they are generally content!
If the cat has ceased headbutting, it may be a sign that they are stressed out or no longer feel comfortable in their surroundings. A new pet or person, construction work, recent stress, illnesses, pain, fear, or other causes could be to blame for this. If this happens, it could be worthwhile to try to get their headbutting again by discussing with your veterinarian.
Might there be another reason?
One should not mistake headbutting for head-pressing, which is an indication of severe neurological problems. Instead of rubbing, head-pressing appears more like the cat pressing and leaning with their forehead. It is visible against walls, particularly in corners. Other symptoms include walking unsteadily, pacing around a room, restlessness, dizziness, alterations in vision, vocalization, and even more severe issues, including seizures.
If you notice your cat head-pressing, it's a major warning sign and should be taken to the veterinarian right away. Brain damage, toxins, nervous system infections, elevated blood pressure, elevated intraocular pressure, diabetes, and other severe illnesses can all lead to head-pressing.
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