As we have often shed light on more and more oddities regarding our little purring friends, this time too we followed the trail of a habit. As we know, cats sometimes show their love in strange ways. Head rubbing, or "headbutting," is a good example of this.

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During headbutting or head rubbing, they leave chemical signals, with which they essentially mark their own territory.

At such times they leave behind chemical signals (pheromones), with which they indicate their own territory to other animals. This is called scent communication in the animal world. Our little furry friends are prone to use their whole head during the lavish rubbing displays, depending on what the purpose of the communication is: perhaps expressing possession, or simply expressing joy.

When cats rub their heads against each other, it is mostly a form of social bonding. This usually happens between cats who are friendly and know each other, and in most cases, the more dominant cat initiates so that their rubbing partner "smells" the same, that is, they leave identical pheromone traces. Our four-legged friends have various pheromone-producing glands in different parts of their body. These are found between the toes, under the chin, at the corners of the mouth, at the temples, along the tail, and on the

Usually, the more dominant cat initiates so that their rubbing partner "smells" the same as them.

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For what other reasons might the cat rub their head

1.) Bonding

The cat's head rubbing is a behaviour that signals love. If our favourite does this with us, we can definitely be proud. At such times, our little friend is basically saying that they love us and informs us that they have made us part of their cat family. During rubbing, they often purr, their face relaxes, and they assume a resting body posture.

2.) Scent exchange

During rubbing, not only is the emphasis on showing love, but also on exchanging scent with us. Cats have an incredibly good sense of smell, and at such times they would like us to smell like them! It is very important never to ignore this gesture, as it is a wonderful bonding opportunity.

It is worth reciprocating their attention, for example with a thorough petting. We can scratch their head or their face, and we can even return a gentle headbutt to our favourite.

Never ignore this gesture!

What if our cat does not like rubbing their head against us?

Every cat is different, some like petting, others do not. The fact that our little friend does not use this love language does not mean that they do not love us. Some only communicate this way with their fellow cats and express their feelings towards us in another way.

Other ways cats show love

It can happen that we never experience headbutting at all, but there is no need to worry, cats express their love in many ways.

• Slow blinking: As a cat owner, you have surely seen your favourite sit completely still and slowly blink at you. This is certainly good news: this behaviour means that our cat loves to be near us! Next time this happens, definitely return the "cat kiss" by slowly blinking back.

Some only communicate like this with their fellow cats.

• Grooming: Cats constantly groom themselves, but sometimes they also take care of their owners. This is also a way of sharing their scent and expressing trust.
• Purring: When a little furball is happy and relaxed, they start purring. Purring often becomes louder when the animal is stroked on their favourite body part, such as under the chin.
• Gifting prey: Handing over prey is also a form of expressing love. If you receive a caught mouse or bird, know that this is a kind and affectionate gesture towards you!

No matter how our four-legged companion shows their love, always make sure to reciprocate! Shower them with play, petting, love, or simply spend quality time with them, which will be satisfying for both of you. Let every day be a joy to look at their charming little face; they will surely feel the same when they see us.

Shared time fills both of you up

When can head rubbing indicate a problem?

If our favourite presses their forehead against the wall or a piece of furniture, it may indicate some health issue. It may mean that the animal feels some discomfort or that possibly a neurological problem lies behind it. If we observe that the cat suddenly presses their head against the wall and makes strange sounds, they require immediate care, so we must definitely take them to the veterinarian!