September 2024

After a day away, you may have observed that when you return home and settle on the couch, your cat welcomes you in an unexpected way. In addition to rubbing against you, your cat may headbutt your head, hand, or legs. Cats headbutting our hands are especially common, and it’s not simply because they want petting. It may appear to be a casual gaze, but there is a more profound significance behind a similar behaviour known as bunting.

So, why do cats bunt and headbutt? It is an important technique of communication with numerous meanings. The more you learn about this behaviour, the more you will understand your cat.

Head bunting to bond.

Cats often head bunt to bond. Cats head bunt to activate the smell glands on their heads, which are located just below the ear. Cats transfer their scent to you when they rub against you, so you will smell like them and be welcomed as one of them. This is comparable to what cats would do in a colony: they would head bunt each other so that all of the cats had the same fragrance.

In this situation, head bunting indicates affection and acceptance. Your cat welcomes you into his world and even grants you the honour of smelling like him. This is something your cat is likely to do when you return home after being away and he feels it is time to replace your fragrance.

Head bunting in affection.

Cats also head bunt as a form of affection. You can usually tell when this is the case by observing your cat’s body language. He may purr, lie down on occasion, flop down on your feet, and soften his gaze while he head bunts you. He’s demonstrating how comfortable he is with you and how much he adores you.

When your cat is comfortable and secure, he is more likely to head bunt out of affection. He may approach you when you’re sitting on the couch or otherwise being calm and still.

Why is my cat putting its head in my hand?

Sometimes this behaviour may not rise to the level of a bunt or butt, but rather appears to be a soft pressing into our hands. The reasons are basically the same, however he may also like scritches or cuddling. When your cat expresses this form of devotion, it means that he trusts you and that your presence makes him happy.

In fact, rubbing his head against you may cause the production of endorphins or other happy hormones, leaving him calm and content. Some cats dislike feeling confined and do not want you to draw them in, while many enjoy the cosy feeling of a gentle squeeze. Learning all of your cat’s signs is one of the delights of pet motherhood.

How to Respond to Head Bunting

When your cat head bunts you, he is expressing affection and letting you know that he loves you. Be charmed and happy that your cat trusts and likes you so much that he feels safe engaging in this behaviour. A cat who head bunts you has accepted you as a member of his family, and his behaviour reflects that closeness.

If you’re fortunate enough to have your cat head bunt you, respond with compassion but caution. Your cat must trust you in order to be comfortable with you patting him while and after he is head bunting you. However, if you know your cat well and he completely trusts you, he will likely appreciate some mutual attention.

If your cat enjoys having his chin scratched or the back of his neck rubbed, now is the time to show him some affection. Just keep an eye on his body language and make ensure that your cat is comfortable throughout the operation.

A note about head pressing.

It is possible to confuse head bunting with another cat behaviour known as head pressing. The two behaviours mean quite different things, and head pressing is cause for concern.

If your cat’s head presses, it means he is uncomfortable. He may stroll up to a wall and stand, pushing his head against it. Some cats may even vocalise when they are in distress. If you see your cat’s head pressed against a wall, furniture, or any object, contact your veterinarian immediately. This behaviour could be indicative of a neurological disease or another health concern that requires attention.

Hopefully, you never witness head pressing but do see your cat’s head bunting you. This natural behaviour signals that your cat accepts you and is affectionate towards you, which you should interpret as a praise. Cats communicate by a variety of behaviours, including head bunting. Studying more about cat body language and posture might help you understand the messages your cat is attempting to send you. When you understand your cat’s body language effectively, you can determine when he wants attention, when he wants to be left alone, and when he is sad and may require extra support. Learning body language is an excellent approach to enhance your comprehension and bond with your cat.