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Animals can’t talk, but they can communicate. When cats headbutt people, they’re often trying to communicate something about how they’re feeling. This headbutting, also called “bunting,” is a sign that your cat may be marking territory or in need of some TLC.
Here are some possible reasons your cat is headbutting and when it may be time to call a veterinarian for a second opinion.
What Does a Cat Headbutt Mean?
It’s not unusual to see cats headbutting their owners. These seemingly affection little rubs and pushes can be sweet — or concerning, depending on how often it’s happening. Understanding why the headbutting is occurring can help you respond appropriately and gauge when professional intervention is needed.
Marking Territory
Some experts believe headbutting is a way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have special scent glands concentrated on and around their head. These glands are packed with pheromones unique to your feline.
The act of rubbing against a person, likely their owner, helps cats transfer their scent to someone’s skin. By transferring pheromones onto your clothes and body, your cat is letting other animals know that you’re their favorite person.
Cats may also headbutt inanimate objects they deem important, such as their favorite scratching post or bed.
Creating a Colony Scent
Cats that headbutt other cats in their familial group may be purposely combining multiple cat scents to create one unique group scent. This can happen with cats living in the same home or with outdoor cats that are bonding socially with other neighborhood pets. Each cat then knows which other animals are part of that colony, as all share the same fingerprint-like pheromone mix.
Asking for Attention
Another reason cats headbutt their owners is to get some attention. This may be a request for more food or a hint that their water bowl needs to be refilled. Or your cat may simply want a pet or a cuddle.
If your cat is bunting and responds positively to a head scratch or hug, you likely gave them exactly what they needed.
Self-Soothing
Sometimes, cats headbutt furniture or knead their bedding just because it feels good. It could also be an attempt at self-regulation. Cats who are annoyed by loud noises or other dysregulating events might headbutt and knead to help calm their nervous systems.
When Cats Headbutt: When to Seek a Vet’s Opinion
Though most headbutting is a sign of affection, that’s not always the case. A cat that begins headbutting with unusual frequency may be communicating that they’re in distress. Cats that are pressing their head into a wall or person might be experiencing a neurological issue.
If you suspect your cat is in distress, book an appointment with your veterinarian. To ensure consistent access to care, protect your cat with pet insurance today.
