One minute you’re reading, and the next a furry forehead bumps into your chin. Why do cats headbutt? Experts call it bunting, and it is usually one of the friendliest things a cat can do.
What A Headbutt Actually Does
Cats have glands on their cheeks, chin, and forehead that hold pheromones, chemical signals used for communication. According to PetMD, a headbutt rubs those pheromones onto you. You can’t smell them, but another cat can. As far as your cat is concerned, you have just been labeled.
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that cats use the same scent to mark their territory, which is why you’ll also see them rub their faces along furniture and door frames.
Five Reasons Your Cat Does It
- To bond with you. Cats in a group headbutt each other to mix their scents into one shared group smell. You’re being included.
- To show they feel content. Facial pheromones have a calming effect. A cat might purr, flop over, or half close their eyes at the same time.
- To mark what is familiar. You, the couch, and the cat tree are all part of a cat’s known world.
- To say hello or learn about you. A cat you barely know may bump you to find out more.
- To get your attention. Some cats learn quickly that a head bump leads to a chin scratch.
Styles vary too. Some cats give a light brush, and others clunk you skull to skull with real force. Either one counts.
Good News For Shelter Cats
Friendliness pays off. PetMD points to a study that found shelter cats who often rubbed against people were adopted more quickly. If you visit a shelter and a cat bumps your hand through the bars, take that as a strong hint.
How To Answer A Headbutt
Stay still and let it happen. Offer your hand or cheek, then give a gentle scratch around the chin and cheeks if your cat seems to want it. You could also send a slow blink, which cats seem to read as friendly. Let your cat decide when it’s over, and don’t lean in faster than they do.
What If Your Cat Doesn’t Headbutt?
Don’t worry. Not all cats do this, and it doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t care. Many show trust in other ways, like sleeping on you or following you around.
The Important Exception: Head Pressing
Head pressing looks a little similar but is very different. A cat who is head pressing pushes their head into a wall, a corner, or another object, keeps it there, and doesn’t seem relaxed. They may also pace or show changes in vision.
PetMD warns that this can point to a serious neurological problem. If you see it, take your cat to a vet right away.
A quick, happy bump is the other thing entirely, and it’s about as close as a cat comes to saying that you belong to them.
