When your cat head bumps you

I read a sweet article about “cat bunting” -that sweet little gesture some cats make when they head butt you.

We generally think of this as a sign of acceptance and affection which of course it is. But according to Dr. Meghan E. Herron, DVM, DACVB, a clinical assistant professor of Veterinary behavioral medicine, there is a bit more to it than that.

Dr. Herron: “Rather than territorial marking or ‘claiming’ someone, as is commonly thought, cats do this to mark something as safe – sort of like leaving a signal of comfort and safety,” adds Dr. Herron. “So you could think of it as a sign that they are ‘trusting’ that person or environment.”

Chloe is a big head bumper when we are outside gardening together and I like the idea that she is telling me that she feels safe being outside with me.