Should I Headbutt My Cat Back – 5 Things To Know!

Being a cat mom, I get a headbutt from my feline friend more often than not. All my tension and tiredness vanish as soon as my cat does so. And often, I am left thinking with a question: Should I Headbutt My Cat Back?

You should headbutt your cat back as it communicates trust and understanding to your cat. Cats prefer slow and gentle headbutts and view those as safe and kind gestures. Hard headbutts may result in your cat growling, scratching, biting, or fearing you.

So, let’s discuss in detail all the things about your cat headbutting you, the various reasons your cat does so, and many other frequently raised questions like biting after the headbutt and why your cat does not headbutt you, and many more. 

Reasons You Should Headbutt Your Cat Back

Below are the five reasons why you should headbutt your cat back and how it will improve and enhance your relationship with your feline friend. 

However, a note of caution here is that you should headbutt your cat back and look out for any signs of discomfort or irritation. If your cat shows any signs of anger or frustration, then you should no longer give her the headbutts back.

Sign Of Acceptance

Your cat headbutting you is an indication that she wants to be a pet. Headbutting is one of the few gestures that your cat will use to communicate with you.

By reciprocating in the form of headbutting back, you are showing a sign of acceptance of your cat, and your cat will be aware that you love and adore her as much as she does.

Close Bonding

Headbutting your cat back will ensure that the two of you have a close bond. Your cat will headbutt you to share her scent with you. A positive gesture of headbutt from your side will suggest that you too like the close bonding that your cat is trying to establish.

Reciprocating Your Cat’s Request

Many times, your cat might headbutt you to communicate that she is hungry and wants some food. This is a common scenario, mainly during the morning.

By headbutting your cat back, you establish that you want to take care of your cat’s needs and reciprocate her wishes. 

And don’t forget to feed your furry friend after headbutting her back!

Giving The Desired Attention To Your Cat

If your cat headbutts you to claim your attention, then you should give her the much-deserved attention by giving her the headbutt and then spending some time playing with her.

It is essential to spend quality time with your furry friend. Cats are known to be hyper-sensitive, and with the lack of time and attention from your side, your cat can become highly stressed and suffer from anxiety issues.

Establishment of Trust With Your Cat

If your cat has trusted you and is giving you a headbutt, you should show the same understanding and give her a headbutt. This will help your cat to decipher that you also trust her equally.

Is It Okay To Headbutt Your Cat

It is perfectly okay to headbutt your cat, only if she enjoys it. You should headbutt your cat only if she initiates it.

If your feline friend does not like giving headbutts or does it rarely, then she might have a problem when you headbutt her. In most cases, she might get annoyed and irritated and scratch or bite you. 

So, if your feline friend headbutts you frequently, she is showing her love and affection for you. You can also go ahead and show your affection by headbutting her back. 

What Does Cat Headbutt Mean 

A cat headbutt is essentially a gesture in which your car will use its head to establish contact with you. She will tap her head against your head or any other body part and then rub their cheek along. 

Cats also give headbutts to other cats and furniture.  

Cats headbutt each other to mark their territories and exchange their bodily scents. When a cat is headbutting another cat, they create a close group scent, which is an indication of bonding and trust between them.

Cats also headbutt furniture to pass on their smell and mark it as their safe and trusted spot. 

Why Do Cats Give You Head Bumps

Cats give you head bumps to leave their scent on you and mark you as their territory. When your cat marks you as her territory, it is also marking you as a safe zone for herself.

Cats have enlarged sebaceous glands around their mouth, in their ears, on the chin, and at the bottom base of their tail. When they rub any person or thing with these organs, they leave a chemical scent behind. 

This scent seems like a comforting smell to the cat, and it is non-offensive for humans.

Cats identify their smell and the safe zone, and hence they will be comfortable with you and show their affection and love to you.

Why Does My Cat Headbutt Me In The Morning

The first thing that your cat wants in the morning is your attention, and then some breakfast! So, when your feline friend headbutts you in the morning, it is mainly to get your attention. This is a more common behavior if you have multiple pets. 

Apart from this, it is highly possible that your cat, who during the daytime is active, gets extremely bored during the nighttime. So, your furry friend might feel a bit playful and cheerful in the morning to get rid of her boredom and then give you a headbutt.

Your cat also headbutts you in the morning as she is hungry and wants some of her lip-smacking breakfast. 

Why Does My Cat Headbutt Me Then Bite Me

Cats are playful creatures, and a bite right after a headbutt indicates that your cat is feeling playful and wants to act all mischievous.

Even though there are several instances where a cat’s bite can be a cause of concern, the playful little bites right after the headbutts are nothing but gestures of love and affection for you. 

Your cat might feel all affectionate towards you, and in her excitement, she may nibble and bite on your fingers or any other place. These bites usually do not hurt much. However, if your cat is over-enthusiastic, these bites may hurt you. 

Sometimes, your cat might also bite you after a headbutt to convey that she is hungry and wants her food. 

Thus, these bites indicate closeness and endearment, and nothing is alarming or concerning in this.

Do All Cats Headbutt

Not all cats headbutt. While the primary reason for your cat headbutting you is to show her love and affection for you, you shouldn’t be disheartened if your cat does not headbutt. 

Moreover, the frequency of the headbutts and their intensity also varies in all the cats. Even if your cat does not headbutt, there are various ways in which they can show their affection, like walking on you, sitting on your lap, purring, or licking you.

So, there is nothing to worry about if your cat does not headbutt you. There are other ways in which she will show her liking for you. Just watch out for all the other signs.

Reasons Cats Headbutt You

Are you confused about the headbutting behavior of your feline friend? Below we discuss the top 5 reasons why your cat headbutts you.  

Your Cat Is Showing Her Affection Towards You

Cats love to show their affection, and headbutting is one of how she communicates her love and affection for you. So, if you are getting a lot of headbutts from your feline friend, feel proud! You have been a great cat parent, and your furry friend loves you.

Your Cat Is Marking Her Territory

Cats are territorial, and they like to mark their territory with their scent glands. Your furry friend loves you and wants to mark you as her territory. Hence, she will give you a headbutt. 

Your Cat Wants To Establish A Sense of Familiarity With You

Headbutting is often a sign of bonding and establishing a sense of familiarity for the cats. If your cat headbutts you, she is trying to be familiar with you and have a close-knit bonding with you.

It would help if you were happy as cats do not give headbutts to all the people. They show this gesture only for the people they like and want to form a good relationship with.

Your Cats Wants Your Attention

If you have a cat, you might already be aware of how much they demand attention. I say demand because that is how these cats are! Demanding yet loving. Your furry friend headbutts you because she wants your attention.

This behavior is more common if you have many pets and cannot provide undivided attention to your cat. 

Your cat might also headbutt you in the morning, indicating that she is hungry and you need to feed her as soon as possible.

Your Cats Wants To Show That She Trusts You

Getting your cat to trust you is a significant achievement. They are from the predator family and do not trust anyone easily.

By headbutting you and putting her scent all over you, your cat marks you as a safe place and indicates that she trusts you. 

Your Cat Wants to Convey “I’m Sorry!”

Since cats cannot speak just as humans do, that doesn’t mean that they cannot convey their feelings. 

Many times, if you show your cat that you are upset by her actions, she will most likely try to cheer you up. 

Your cat will try to apologize by various actions, like purring, headbutting you, or simply sitting in your lap. All these are great gestures that indicate that your cat is sorry for its behavior and wants you to play again with her.

Things To Consider 

When it comes to headbutting your cat, there are a few things to consider.

Difference Between Headbutt and Headpress in Cats

While headbutting is a display of endearment, you should never mistake a head press with a headbutt. 

Headbutting is when your cat will bump up against your face or any other body organ to get your attention and show your affection. 

On the other hand, the head press is a condition in which your cat will repeatedly press her head against a piece of furniture, wall, or any other inanimate object. You may often hear sounds of distress from your cat and often indicate a neurological problem.

Responding To Your Cat’s Headbutt

Below are few ways in which you can respond to your cat’s headbutts.

● Headbutt your cat back. Or you can scratch her chin, pat her lightly on the head and talk in a sweet tone with your cat.

● If your cat shows aggressive behavior when you headbutt her, it indicates that she doesn’t appreciate the headbutt in response. 

● You can try out other responses like providing her with cat treats, slowly and softly brushing her fur, or talking with her by simply kneeling. Your cat will be all smiles when she gets your undivided attention.

Can Your Cat’s Headbutt Hurt You

Sometimes, pet owners can get hurt slightly if their cat headbutts vigorously and frequently. This is not because the cat is angry, but simply because the cat is super excited and has no control over its strength.

In such a case, pet owners can resort to positive and negative reinforcement in cats. If your cat gives a light headbutt, you should reward her with some cat treat or her favorite food.

If your cat gives a hard headbutt, a timeout or any other disciplinary method can be resorted to stopping this behavior.