Why do cats butt and rub their heads?

Rubbing the forehead, face, or nose is a common but sometimes misunderstood form of feline communication. Cats often rub their heads against their owners’ faces or necks when they pick them up or try to do their own thing. What does it mean? Is this just a distraction or an attempt to say something?

How and why does a cat rub its head

Rubbing the nose, forehead, muzzle, butting – this characteristic movement is called differently. During such a “caress”, the owner feels a slight push with the forehead, which is called “butting”. This is analogous to a fist greeting between people.

As is the case with others oddities of catswhich may puzzle their family members, head rubs have a specific purpose. Cats rub their heads against everything to show affection and mark their territory, leaving their scent everywhere.

Attachment

On the head of the animal there are many glands that secrete pheromones, especially in the area of ​​the nose, mouth and chin. With each friction against the owner, these glands leave behind a “trace”. Rubbing his head, the cat is trying to say about his love. In return for such efforts, the pet is likely to receive a lot of affection. This is a powerful incentive for her to do it again and again.

In addition, the cat butts its head to get to know family members better. Animals have a highly developed sense of smell and use smells as one of their main ways of collecting environmental data. Stephanie Borns-Weil, veterinary behavioral specialist at the Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, told experts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts Universitythat a cat can rub against a person not only to express its affection, but also to “gather information about him.” While rubbing his head, the pet smells, which helps her to get to know others better, especially in the first time after meeting.

Territory marking

When a cat rubs its head, it is also trying to mark its territory. This is similar to how a pet marks certain places or objects in the house, splashing piss to claim ownershipbut with much less odor and damage.

Rubbing and butting in cats “appears to occur predominantly at the ‘prime’ site of their territory,” writes International Cat Care, “and is usually associated with comfort, consolation, and companionship.” Therefore, the cat rubs its head against furniture, walls and favorite toys – this world belongs to it and it just allows people to live in it.

Why does a cat rub its head against its owner?

Quite often, cats do not rub their heads against their human, because not all of them like to clearly demonstrate their affection. But that doesn’t mean that pet doesn’t like him.

One factor that influences a cat’s tendency to rub its head is its breed. Some affectionate representatives cats, for example ragdolls и fun dayoften rub their heads against their owners’ faces.

Age can also affect a cat’s behavior. For example, kittens tend to be more playful than adults. However, with age, a pet’s need for attention usually grows, says College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, and many older cats become completely tame animals.

If the cat rubs its head against the owner’s face or butts, you can consider yourself a pet of a furry friend. This is real luck!