Why Do Cats Boop Their Forehead On Humans: Internet Responds

Does your cat love to boop you? Or purrhaps we should use the more correct term, "bunt". You see cats have been rubbing and booping their hoomans using their foreheads for quite some time now, and many people assume it's an aggressive thing. Because honestly, cats can be jerks and occasionally even get a bit aggressive out of self-defense, such as this cat who decided to hit a dog. But actually quite surprisingly, cats don't rub against humans with their foreheads out of aggression. Scroll down to read the scientific answer:

Just to give you a hint about what it says, Cats are chaotic good . True they may be strange, but they have good intentions (most of the time), and we love them all the more for it. So, enjoy our super cute explanation about why cats bunt hoomans faces all day long, and we hope that you learn a little something about the science of the most adorable animal ever!

Author image for Ellie Dunn Ellie Dunn
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    Font - Bradley Betts, Nature geek, cat owner Answered Oct 11, 2019 Upvoted by Board Certified Life Coach, Master's Counseling Psychology & Psychology, Texas A&M International University (2008) and Shannon Rios, MSED Psychology, University of Pennsylvania (2006) Originally Answered: Why do cats bang their foreheads against humans? Why do cats bang their foreheads against humans? Ah yes, the head boop. Or "bunting", as it's properly known. You'll notice that they don't just headbutt you- it's more
    via Bradley Betts

    We were today years old when we learned that the proper term for our cats rubbing their foreheads against us affectionately is "bunting". What a cute and absolutely awwdorable fact. We're definitely going to use this word now. But wait a second, we gotta keep reading and learn why they do this according to science!

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  • 02
    Font - They have scent glands nigh-on everywhere, and they use them to mark things. But bunting doesn't just deposit their scent, it also means that they pick up some of the scent of whatever (or whoever) they're rubbing against. Cats who live in social groups use bunting as a way to swap scent. They're marking the other cat, but also marking themselves with the other cat's scent. This affirms a sort of group bond, and bunting is used as a social greeting between cats who know and trust each oth
    via Bradley Betts

    Aww, so when cats "bunt", they're exchanging scents with us and marking their territory? Honestly that sounds like classic cat behavior. Cats sure do love to make their mark in an iconic way. Whatever, we'll gladly let our cats mark us "their property" anytime those adorable chonkers want to. 

  • 03
    Cat - CAUDAL CLANDS PINNA GLANDS SUPRA-CAUDAL CLAND TEMPORAL GLANDS ANAL CLANDS -CHEEK CLANDS PERIORAL GLANDS SUBMANDIBULAR CLAND INTERDICITAL GLANDS
    via Bradley Betts
  • 04
    Cat - Aaron Jaeger My Blue Russian Baby. Have had him since he practically fit in my hand. He does the bunting but he's extremely gentle and loving about it. He sleeps with me every night, finds a little niche on me to cozy in, lays on my chest and sleeps when I'm watching TV or relaxing, and is incredibly communicative. I pretty much always know what he wants and what he's saying. Most people underestimate the intelligence and love of these incredible creatures! Aaron Jaeger
    via Aaron Jaeger
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  • 05
    Font - William Harold Hinkson II Right before feeding time, my two cats enter into a bump and rub contest on me. When they touch, 50/50 chance to groom each other or have a slap-fight (cat clawing version). Hell of an improvement over when they first became roommates... food time was swat-each-other time. The thing is, their dishes were never totally empty and they don't eat that much before they leave their dishes, go to the other one's dish, and eat out of that one... briefly swatting each oth
    via William Harold Hinkson II
  • 06
    Cat - Rich Hailey Wow, and i thought my little guy was aggressive! Frankie has very similar Tabby markings.
    via Rich Hailey
  • 07
    Font - Steve Martin Nice. To my delight, that explains the neighborhood's cat behavior come feeding time every evening. Before eating, she always gives me that bunt ... but probably more because I give her a makeing-donuts, pawing-the- air-in-ecstasy brushing now and then. I am guessing that pawing is some kind of vestigial memory of her younger days comfort at her mom's teat. Upvoted, and after taking a glance at your profile, followed. Looking forward to reading you, Bradley. Cheers from Japan
    via Steve Martin
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  • 08
    Cat - Cät Wöman My cat Boabie, to my disappointment, DOESNT head bunt. So I do it to him. If the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.
    via Cät Wöman
  • 09
    Font - Marc Morgenstern My fur baby Crimson will simply press her forehead up to my arm or leg and leave it there for a good 5-10 minutes without rubbing. I think this is a cat's way of giving a hug and showing complete trust and affection.
    via Marc Morgenstern
  • 10
    Handwriting - Sauni Sunshine If you have ever watched any wild cat animal shows you see the tigers and lions greet each other that way. It's a sign of affection. The house cat still has wild characteristics. The head bunting is not meant to be mean or hurtful. It's just their way of saying hello and kind of hugging you ^_^
    via Bradley Betts
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  • 11
    Font - David Taylor It's not just a rubbing action. My cat, at least, proceeds to full-on drool on me if she gets a chance.
    via Bradley Betts
  • 12
    Human body - Kristi Dolch Every cat I've ever had has done this. It is a scent thing but I think it's also about affection. I get lots of head buts when we are having a snuggle. And if we pass each other there is usually a head butt involved. I love them!
    via Bradley Betts

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