Cat owners may be familiar with the headbutting gesture of their fur babies. Many cat parents find this cat expression charming. It can be a divine moment, especially when young kittens come up to them and rub their hand, neck, face, or leg. There can be several reasons why a kitty headbutts. And feline parents need to know the difference between headbutting and head pressing.
In a head pressing move, kitty may forcefully push their delicate heads into a corner or on the wall, potentially injuring themselves. The head pressing can be in response to potential health conditions like neurological or brain issues. Carefully observe if the head pressing activity is accompanied by other symptoms like pacing, circling, visual issues, behavioral problems, seizures, etc.
In such cases, your little kitty may need the vet’s help asap. It is best to have cat insurance that provides you with medical financial aid in accidents, injuries, particular illnesses, and pet emergencies. The best pet insurance can offer your pet the necessary health care while making the whole affair affordable for you.
Buy a policy and stay prepared for a rainy day. For now, we will tell you what headbutting is and why cats do it.
What is a cat headbutt?
Feline fur babies produce pheromones on their forehead, cheeks, and chin. The feline facial pheromones are used in scent communication for marking territories. When your kitty headbutts you, furniture indoors, or other objects, they basically deposit pheromones on them.
While the human lot can’t discover the presence of a scent, fur babies can easily detect its presence. Consider yourself as marked and accepted when your fluffy companion rubs on you. It signals to other pets that your fur baby has been there already and is done with marking.
Also, the headbutting style varies from cat to cat. Some kitties may thump head-to-head; that can be a pretty shaky experience. A few other kitties may rub against your face delicately, making it a lighter encounter. In any case, know that your dear kitty has left you smeared with pheromones.
Why does my cat headbutt?
Show contentment
Kitties experience a calming effect when they headbutt. It can signify pleasure, reassurance, affection, safety, and more. Look for additional sounds like purring, partially closing eyes, flipping over playfully, stretching, etc. These signs talk about your kitty’s relaxed state of mind. However, an unfamiliar cat may headbutt to feel or sniff you. A kitty can also rub itself as they find it soothing.
Creating a signature scent
Social cats may mark each other with their scents to identify their mates. Also, when living in a colony, the combination of multiple scents can give a distinct scent that can be a signature scent of the settlement they are a part of. Only the felines who are a part of a particular colony will have the unique scent.
Seek attention
Kitties who want attention can come to you, give some head rubs, and ask you to pet them. Most kitties like it when their parents scratch them on their heads or under their chin. So, head butting can be your cat’s way of requesting affection and bonding time.
If your usually headbutting cat hasn’t been the same for a few days, then check for any other clues to identify the reasons for your kitty’s behavior. If your fur baby’s routine, behavior, appetite, weight, or other factors have changed significantly, meet your vet immediately.
Cat insurance covers your fur baby’s non-routine vet visits, medications, diagnosis, treatment, and more. The best pet insurance offers a more comprehensive health cover for your pet while conserving much of your finances. So, why not buy a policy?
