I've always called it head butting, but some people might call it head bumps and while researching this article I have seen that it is more properly called head bunting. Anyway, whichever term you use, cat head butts are when a cat softly rubs their head against yours, or even bonks their skull against yours a little more strongly. A cat might also head butt against your leg or arm.
But, why is my cat head butting me?
As you might guess, by the title of this article, cats head butt to show affection! In fact, PetMD says that if your cat thinks you are worth head butting, you should consider it the highest of compliments!
Vet-Organics.com says that cats have glands that excrete pheromones on their faces. When a cat head bunts you, they are depositing their scent on you, which marks you as part of their family. You may also see your cat headbutting their surroundings like their scratching post or the couch for a similar reason. They are spreading around their scent to mark of their space. PetsMD says to think of this more as them marking off their safe space and not as an aggressive territory marking like if they were marking off their space by spraying urine, so its good to get your cat's scent on you! It's is reassuring to them that you smell like them!
Another reason for cat headbutting is to get your attention. If your cat headbutts you and you reward them with some pets or a chin scratch, they might learn to ask for pets or chin scratches that way, so it can become a nice way for you and your cat to communicate!
PetMD notes that not all cats will headbutt, so if your cat doesn't do this with you, it doesn't mean they don't love you! Cats can show their affection in other ways too, like flopping down next to you, sleeping next to you, blinking slowly at you and kneading on you.
Should I headbutt my cat back?
I do! Sometimes I even initiate the headbutts! Give it a try and see what what you both think! If your cat was looking for your attention and wanted to be pet and gets a headbutt instead, you can still give them some pets too until you both decide what you like best!
Vet-Organics.com also notes that there is an important distinction between headbunting and head pressing! If your cat is pressing their head against you or a wall, it could be a sign that they are in pain! If you see your cat pressing their head like this, especially with other signs like wincing and disorientation, it is time for them to see a vet right away!
PetMD says that another thing to watch out for is if a cat changes their habits in regards to headbunting. If you used to get a lot of headbunts and now not so much, it could be a sign that your cat isn't feeing well. So, if you notice a change in your cat's headbunts, especially if they are grumpy or extra sleepy too, that is another sign that they should be checked out by a vet.
For the most part, if a cat is headbutting you, it's a good thing, so the next time you are headbutted by your cat, enjoy it and maybe give some headbutts back!
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