If one were to head-butt you, you would probably be able to tell what they are trying to say. But, when a cat does the same to you, the meaning might be less clear. You might be left wondering whether the cat is trying to say hello or maybe she watches a lot of wrestling. If you own a cat that is an affection seeker, then you will find yourself receiving regular head-butts. Why does my cat headbutt me? If that is the question running through your minds, then here is the answer for you.
How to recognize a cat’s head-butt?
A cat’s head-butt is also known as bunting, and it happens when a cat makes contact with you using their head. In most cases, the cat will tap her head against you and rub her cheeks along your body. It is possible to see cats bunting objects like chairs and walls.
Marking territory or colony
Cats produce chemicals known as pheromones from their body and they can at times affect a cat’s behavior. Cats have sweat glands on all parts of their body, and when the cut head-butts you and then turns their head sideways or tuck it down, the cat is looking for your attention. A cat’s head-butt is a clear sign that your cat loves and respects you. It also shows that they trust you.
Bonding
As stated earlier, cats have sweat glands, and even as they use them to mark territories, they can use the bunting for socializing. You may find your can bunting another cat, and if that happens, she is trying to create a friendship with the cat.
Affection
Head-butting is also a sign of love and affection. Both domestic, as well as wild cats such as leopards, usually head-butts with other cats they know to show affection. Cats can also head-butt with other members of their group to mark each other as family. Whenever your cat does this to you, you should feel proud of the cat is merely marking you as hers.
Seeking attention
If you are a busy person that rarely spends time with your pet, your cat may head-butt you as a way of asking for your consideration. While some people think that a cat bunts only to mark territory, she can do that to get attention from the owner. Whenever she head-butts you and then tucks her head down, pay attention to her.
Welcoming greetings
Head-butts are very common when you arrive home from work. As soon as you enter your home, your cat will come towards you, and after a few purrs, she will go close and head-butt you. If she does that, she is greeting you and welcoming you home. She is just happy to see you!
As a way of communication
If you watch keenly, you will notice that when you are eating something that your cat likes, and you are not sharing with her, she head-butts you. She wants some, but since she cannot talk, if she doesn’t want to meow, she will come close and head-butt you so that you can notice her and give her a share of what you are eating.
Bottom-line
While a cat’s head-butt is related to a friendly attitude from a cat, never mistake them for head pressing. If you notice that your cat is pressing her head on your legs, a wall, or a chair repeatedly, what follows is odd sounds and abnormal behavior. Head pushing is a health issue, and you need to take her to the vet immediately.
Now that you know why your cat head-butts you, the next time it happens, don’t push her away, pet her a bit and feel happy that your cat loves you!
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