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Why Do Cats Bob Their Heads – The Unique Reason

Why Do Cats Bob Their Heads – The Unique Reason

Cat owners have seen their cats bob their heads. One common cat stance is when they are about to jump. You’ll see your cat bob its head high and low, left and right. The height of the table never changes, so why do cats bob their heads?

Cats bob their heads to better focus on something in front of them. Other reasons include assessing an object, measuring jumping distance, or have an ear infection. Head bobbing may also be a sign of neurological disorders, though this is not common. 

Head bobbing may seem strange, but it’s an important habit that cats have. Cats can bob their heads while they play or before they’re about to jump. If you want to learn more about head bobbing, keep reading to learn even more about this habit that you may find strange.

Reasons Cats Bob Their Heads

There are more than five reasons why your cat bobs their heads, but we’ll cover some of the most common reasons why cats bob their heads.

To Get A Better Look At Something While Curious

Head bobbing most often happens when a cat is curious. Your cat will bob its head up and down as he looks at something. The head bobbing will allow your cat to get a better look at something from a few different angles. Often, your cat will bob its head closer to the ground in a prowling stance too. 

Assess How Far Something Is 

If your cat is looking to jump up on the counter or a high surface, then you’ll probably see your cat bob its head. Your cat isn’t as tall as the object he is jumping onto, so he needs to figure out how far away something is. Plus, your cat may want to check if anything is sitting on the table they’re supposed to jump onto. 

To Elicit A Reaction From Something 

Oddly enough, head bobbing can also be a way to get a response from something. For instance, if your cat is stalking a bird (which we don’t want!) but is enjoying the rush of chasing the bird, your cat may bob its head to get the bird’s attention. Odd, right? Some cats do that!

Neurological Issues

Neurological issues lead to less head bobbing and more head shaking, but this is something that you should still pay attention to. You should pay attention to your pet’s habit changes that may make you realize that something is wrong. 

Ear Infection

An ear infection may also lead to some head bobbing, but this head bobbing will also be accompanied by head shaking. Your cat may also paw at his ear, which is a sure sign that he may be suffering from an ear infection. These infections may go away on their own, but it is a good idea to visit your vet for treatment. 

What Does It Mean When A Cat Bobs Its Head

Cats bob their heads while they’re assessing their surroundings. 

Head bobbing is important to a cat about to jump onto a table or high surface. Since cats can’t see on top of where they’re about to jump, they need to make sure it’s safe.

For instance, there may be something blocking their jumping path. There could be a cup that they may knock over. 

Since cats are low to the ground, they need to check their surroundings and confirm how far away something is. Cats always want to be cautious, so the strange head bobbing habit is beneficial.

Why Does My Cat Bob His Head At Me

Your cat bobs his head at you when he is trying to get your attention. 

Cats bob their heads as a way to get the attention of something. This can be the prey that they’re stalking or even their owner! 

If you see the movement of your cat bobbing his head, then you’re more likely to look to see what your cat is doing. Your cat may not be stalking you like prey, but they may want your attention to get some pets from you. 

Head bobbing is sometimes used as an important habit for your cat or can be a way for your cat to get more attention from you.

Why Do Cats Bob Their Heads To Music

Cats can bob their heads to music when the cat enjoys what song he is hearing. They can feel the pulse and move their body to it naturally.

Cats won’t enjoy everything you play, but when a song is in a pitch a cat enjoys, you’ll see your cat bobbing his head along to the song. 

Don’t feel disappointed if your cat doesn’t appreciate every song on your playlist. Cats don’t enjoy all music, but some songs catch a cat’s attention. I’ve noticed that songs with higher pitches or sounds that sound like wildlife often spark a cat’s interest. 

Cats may be music critics, but when they hear a song they like, you might see your cat bobbing its head like you or me. 

Why Do Cats Bob Their Heads When Playing

Cats start to bob their head while playing because they’re excited and looking to pounce on something. 

A play session is an optimal time to see your cat bob their heads. Your cat may crouch down with wide, dilated eyes as he watches another cat or the feather toy you’re waving around. Right before he gets ready to pounce, you’ll see him start to bob his head around. 

This is part of the play-stalking that your cat is doing to catch the toy. The head bobbing is done so your cat can lock on the toy and confirm how far it is away. If you’re swinging around the toy, then you’ll see your cat bob his head even more. 

Why Do Cats Tilt Their Heads When You Talk To Them

Cats tilt their heads when you talk to them out of curiosity. 

When you talk to your cat, you might notice that your cat tilts their head to the side. Your cat doesn’t always do this, though, like you may have already noticed.

Your cat will tilt its head, and you might be inclined to start talking in a “baby” voice, which piques your cat’s curiosity even more. 

No one is sure why cats suddenly get so enthralled by your voice. Even your regular speaking voice may catch your cat’s attention. Well, now you can keep in mind that you have an audience! 

Final Thoughts

We’ve talked about what it means when your cat’s head bobs. This is an obvious and somewhat intentional movement by your cat. By this, I mean that your cat is doing it for a certain reason, but it may still be unconscious for your cat.

There is a difference between head-bobbing and head shaking. A cat whose head shakes looks less like a bob and more like a vibration or the inability to stay still.

This is most common in older cats or cats with a neurological disorder. Head shaking can be a serious disorder in the brain, and if you notice that your cat’s head shakes, you should visit your vet as soon as possible.

Your vet will provide you better guidance about what may be wrong and what the next steps are for you and your pet. 

Now, I don’t want to scare you. Head bobbing is very different than head shaking, but it’s still important to be aware of.

If you begin to notice your cat’s head bobbing turns to shaking, you may be able to catch a neurological disorder before it can become more serious. 

As with anything, when it comes to our pets, you are the one who will probably notice changes in your pet’s personality or habits.