How often does your cat jump onto you only to straight headbutt you in the face? It doesn’t matter how often they do this, some of us love it, while others think that their feline is trying to attack them. Little did you know that with cats, it’s something different.
First Things First, What Does A Headbutt Look Like?
Nope, it’s not when a cat sticks his head into another cat’s butt. Although that’s what the definition may suggest to many of you, it’s more like when a cat taps his head against you or rubs your cheeks along with whichever body part is near him. It could also be objects like chairs, wall or other furniture, but it’s mostly their hooman.
So, What Does This Mean?
Whether you knew this or not, but cats have some naturally in-built scent glands all over their body. They use those glands to leave marks on those objects, or even you. As per cat behaviourist Pam-Johnson Bennett, a cat is likely to headbutt as a means of socializing or bonding.
“For a cat who engages in such bonding behaviour shows his reliability over the person,” she said.
Johnson-Bennett also justifies that this behaviour is more appropriately called cat bunting. If you think that cat headbutt is simply them marking their territory, know that it’s more than that. Scent communication in cats is complex. This behaviour can also be used to create familiarity and show respect.
Of course, it’s also an attention-seeking behaviour in cats, especially if your cat headbutts against you and then tucks it down or turns to another side.
Why Doesn’t My Cat Headbutt?
Every cat is unique, and so is yours. There’s so much variation in the frequency and the intensity of a cat headbutt. There are so many ways a cat can headbutt, so if your cat doesn’t headbutt, you need to look for other ways that your cat may be used to show affection.
Is Headbutting And Head Pressing The Same?
Not really. Your cat presses his head against a piece of furniture or a wall relentlessly. This is more often followed by an abnormal vocalization or some weird behaviour like disorientation or circling. Head pressing in cats is usually a manifestation of a neurological disorder.
Cats head press when they are sick. This is not something destructive or affectionate, but it’s a mere sign of discomfort or a problem that needs your and the vet’s attention.
According to Dr Eric Barchas, head pressing and similar other symptoms that go with it are generally associated by problems with the central nervous system. Simply put, head pressing occurs in cats when there’s something wrong with their brain. In that case, you know what to do: rush to the vet!
Any Other Reasons For Headbutting?
Affection. It’s all affection, until sometimes when you need to check why your kitty might be trying to seek attention. Check their food bowls, the water tank and make sure that their litter box is clean. It’s a way of them communicating. Consider yourself lucky if your cat is trying to get your attention.
It is highly recommended that you take your cat’s headbutting behaviour seriously and act on it promptly. Check their blood pressure or urinalysis would reveal the real reason behind such action. Therefore, you will also be able to help your cat get back to their proper health and thus headbutting your affectionately.
Final Words
Always and always try to recognize your cat’s behaviour. Although they are still trying to build a strong bond with you through their headbutting activity, remember to make them feel special, too. Gently rub their back or pet them back just where your kitty likes it (could be on the head or their chin).
Never ignore any warning signs that your kitty might be trying to tell you.
So, enjoy your morning wake-up calls, greetings when you’re back from work and those comforting headbutting in your leisure time. Your cat is merely trying to tell you that you’re the most precious person in their life and that they would mark their territory and allow your bond to grow stronger!