Why Does My Cat Headbutt Me?

Cats have weird ways to express their emotions. Whether they’re angry, affectionate, or bored, they’ll find a wicked method to get your attention. So, most of the actions you find alarming are merely for attention or communication purposes, headbutting included.

You likely experienced this a lot: you’re lounging on the couch with a cup of coffee, and your kitty finds it the perfect time to headbutt you. In no time, the coffee leaves the cups and sprawls all over your clothes.

Why is your cat headbutting? And is there a way to stop it? Stick around to find out!

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Why Does My Cat Headbutt Me?

While headbutting may seem alarming to you, especially if the cat shows aggressive signals, it’s completely normal. A lot of animals headbutt, whether it’s each other or their owners. They take it as a way to show you their affection or mark you as theirs.

You’ve probably noticed that your cat rubs her cheeks against furniture and random items. Sometimes, she even rubs her face against you. That’s a normal action; she’s spreading her scent around to mark her territory. Headbutting is the same, except it’s a more aggressive approach.

When your cat isn’t marking you through headbutting, she’s probably showing her respect or affection. It means she’s happy with you, which is good news, especially if you recently got the cat.

Besides affection and marking territory, your cat may also be headbutting you as a way to get your attention. Since cats can’t express their thoughts out loud, they resort to odd ways to get their message across. Yes, that includes tapping their heads against you multiple times!

If you’ve been busy with something else for too long, your cat will probably get fed up with it. So, she may be headbutting you to get some attention in return. In this case, give her a couple of scratches, and she’ll scurry away.

Cats don’t only headbutt their owners, but they also do so to fellow cats. If you have multiple cats, don’t get alarmed when you find one bunting the other. On the contrary, if they’re rubbing their heads together, it means they’re happy with each other and getting along well.

Bear in mind that your cat may be head pressing instead of bunting, though. In this case, the cat will keep pushing her head against any wall, and she may start expressing herself vocally. Head pressing requires immediate vet attention, so make sure your cat is merely headbutting without any signs of distress.

Should I Headbutt My Cat-Back?

That depends on what your cat likes. If she likes her headbutting getting returned, you can do it back. It’s best if you tried first to test her reaction. Just put your head close to the cat’s head, and try to gently press against her. If she headbutts back in return, that means she’s content with your actions.

Doing such actions is great because cats can’t speak the same language as us. When you try to speak their language to show your affection, they appreciate it, and they understand how you feel about them.

How Do Cats Headbutt?

Headbutting is when your cat rubs her head against you. Cats don’t necessarily headbutt people; they may do to other cats or even furniture and walls. You’ll find them rubbing their cheeks against your body and tapping their heads against you repeatedly in an affectionate way.

They’ll seem content and relaxed while doing so, as opposed to head pressing. Head pressing usually depicts damage in the nervous system or a mental illness. When cats push their heads against the wall, signs of distress are all over them. You’ll know something is wrong when you see it.

Why Do Cats Mark Their Territory Using Headbutting?

Territorial instincts aren’t exclusive to cats. In fact, nearly all animals mark their territory and punish other animals for trespassing. So, cats marking their territory is totally normal, and there’s nothing concerning about it.

Cats mark their territory by spreading their pheromones around, which contain their scents. These pheromones get released from glands all over their bodies. They’re present in their paws, flanks, and cheeks. When they headbutt you, they’re spreading their scents through the glands in their cheeks.

As opposed to common beliefs, bunting isn’t an aggressive act, and it’s not recognized as an attack in cat colonies.

All in all, a lot of cats mark their territory by peeing and leaking urine all over your items. So, you should be thankful your cat is doing it by headbutting!

Do Cats Headbutt Other Cats?

Yes, cats do headbutt other cats, and they mostly do it for good reasons. In cat colonies, headbutting is a way of reinforcing good bonds. It’s known as ‘allorubbing,’ as well. The cats may push their heads against each other or rub their noses together.

When your cat sees a familiar cat, whether it’s a fellow pet or not, she’ll start greeting it. Cats greet each other by meowing, raising their tails, or headbutting.

Cats may also headbutt other cats when they’re reunited after a separation. In this case, they do it to remark on the other cats after they return to safety. It may also happen if the other cats carry unfamiliar scents. The other cat will rub her scent on, trying to eliminate the strange smell.

Cats with genetic relations are more likely to opt for headbutting. As a result, a lot of vets think related cats may show less domestic violence. They get along together better than stranger cats.

3 Alarming Cat Actions That Need Your Attention

While headbutting isn’t an alarming action, there are some actions that need your attention. When cats are in pain, they may do some acts that you regard as normal, but they need professional help.

That’s especially when the cat is suffering a psychological issue, such as anxiety. Here are some alarming actions that need your immediate attention.

Sudden Aggressive Behavior

Some aggressive behaviors are normal if you’re used to the cat acting out. However, if your cat is normally calm and laid back, and she suddenly lashes out at you, a fellow pet, or a toy, then something may be wrong.

Cats showing unfamiliar aggressive behavior is usually a way of sending a message. Your cat is either in pain or afraid of something. You’ll find her hissing more than usual, swatting other pets or yourself, and biting.

There are a lot of events that can cause your cat to be afraid and act aggressively. For example, if you’re visiting the vet or a boarding facility, it’s completely normal for the cat to start acting out in fear. Additionally, it can happen if there are new animals in the house or upon negative encounters with strangers.

On the other hand, when the cat is doing it out of pain, it’ll likely be after surgery or an injury. Or, it could be something simpler, such as the cat getting its tail stuck in the door. Dental pain can also drive some aggressive acts.

Eliminating the cat’s aggressive behavior starts with identifying the reason for it.

Changes in Eating Routine

When cats get used to a routine, they hardly change it, especially when it comes to eating. When you notice that the cat is changing the amounts she’s consuming, there may be something wrong. She may also change the eating speed, which is an alarming action as well.

Cats who eat more food than usual without gaining weight could be suffering hyperthyroidism. It’s a condition that occurs in older cats; it causes the cats to never feel full, and it prevents weight gain.

On the other hand, if the cat starts eating less, it may be a sign she’s stressed or in dental pain. If the change in routine is accompanied by vomiting, it’s better to visit a vet to know for sure.

Weird Hiding Behavior

When cats are scared of something or feeling anxious, they may resort to hiding, which is usually an alarming action. It’s often after a traumatic event of some sort or a stressful incident, and it sometimes happens when strangers come over.

If your cat is hiding because of an occurring event, such as a visitor or a vet visit, it’s okay. She’ll probably return to normal after a while. However, if there’s no apparent reason for the hiding, you’ll want to check it out with her vet. The cat may be in pain or feeling ill, or she may be suffering from anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Headbutting is a normal affectionate act from cats. It actually means your cat is happy with you! She trusts you, respects you, and wants you to know it. Just make sure not to hold any beverage near a cat that’s in the mood for headbutting. You’ll get it all over your clothes!

Look out for head-pressing signs. If you find your cat hitting her head repeatedly against the wall while showing distress signals, she requires vet attention.