Does your cat come up and bump you with their head? Whether it’s the leg, arm, or another part of your body, cats are known to head bump their owners and today we’re going to tell you why. We can promise, it’s not a bad thing! Congratulations, you’re part of the crew! That’s right; cats do this to members of their colony as a sign of unity. And here you thought it was just your cat being bossy!
Cats head bump each other and others to create a communal smell because cats recognize each other by smell before anything else. What your cat is really trying to tell you is, “Hey, I want you to smell a little more like me but don’t worry I still love you!” How is this done? Cats can activate the scent glands on their head just above the eye and below their ear, which excretes pheromones that they in turn rub on you. Just like that, you’re now part of the crew!
If you’re reading this and wondering why your cat doesn’t do this, don’t stress! Not all cats are part of the head bumping community. There is a hierarchy in cat colonies, and only the most confident cats are the ones that head bump.
Now that you know your cat is head bumping to say, “I love you,” it’s time to give the love back. You can head bump your cat right back, pet them, scratch their chin, or anything else that you know they love. This will be a great way for you and your cat to bond.
Cats are complicated, but it is good to know that some of their weird little quirks are just their way of saying, “I love you.” Continue to build a bond with your pet and give the head bumps back when they come your way! Your cat will appreciate it.
