Our pets sometimes do strange things. For example when your cat gives you a gentle head butt, why do they do that? Today I’ll tell you about one possible explanation in this of Pet Pointers.

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Cat people call it the bonk or the head butt, when your cat rubs their head and face on you. Scientists call it “bunting” and it’s a complex behavior seen in domestic house cats as well as their wild cousins. When cats exhibit bunting they are actually depositing pheromones on objects, other animals or their people but not simply out of love, but as a mark of trust. Each time your cat bunts a piece of furniture or you they are marking it as a safe place.

Behaviorists believe it is more like leaving a trail of bread crumbs leading to comfort and safety than claiming territory. It is a sign of trust from your cat, they know you are safe.

Your cat has scent glands all over their head, face and body and leave traces of their scent for various reasons including communicating with potential mates in the area, creating a colony scent and even communicating acceptance of their house mates whether they are cats or other species like dogs.

It is also an attention seeking behavior. Chances are your cat has trained you well. When they jump up and bunt you, you pet them. Cats know how to get what they want.

If your cat doesn’t bunt you, don’t worry. Animal behavior varies from one to another; it just depends on their personality. Some cats that seem aloof and never bunt can suddenly start.