What Is Cat Nuzzling and Why Do Cats Do It?

Cat nuzzling is a widespread, yet misunderstood, method of cat communication. Whether you're hugging or trying to get some work done, your cat will frequently nuzzle against your face or neck. But why do cats nuzzle in the first place? Is it just a ruse, or is your cat trying to tell you something?

What Causes Cats to Nuzzle?

Nudge. Rub. Prod. Cat nuzzling is a term that refers to the act of touching your chin, cheek, or neck with your head. You might even get a headbutt, also known as "bunting," which is when your cat literally knocks their forehead on yours. Consider it the feline equivalent of a fist bump!

Rubbing their head against you, like other weird cat actions that may perplex pet parents, has a function. Cats nuzzle to demonstrate affection and to mark territory, both of which have the same purpose in mind: to leave their scent behind.

Affection

Cats have numerous smell glands on their heads, particularly around the nose, lips, and chin, which leave a "mark" with each rub against you. "I love you," they say by rubbing their heads all over you. Your cat most likely receives a lot of cuddles in exchange for nuzzling, which is a powerful motivator for repeat behavior.

They also use nuzzling to learn more about you. Your cat may rub against you to demonstrate affection, but they also want to "collect information about you," as veterinary behaviorist Stephanie Borns-Weil of Tufts' Animal Behavior Clinic tells the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Cats have a keen sense of smell, which is far superior to that of humans, and they use it as one of their primary means of gathering information about their surroundings. Your fragrance is transferred to your cat when nuzzling, which helps them recognize you, especially when you're just getting to know one other.

Territorial Delimitation

Your cat nuzzles you to define their territory as well as communicate affection. This is analogous to a cat spraying to claim ownership of certain locations or objects in your home, but with far less odor and harm.

When you consider where else cats leave their scent, it makes sense that they would recognize you as an important and reassuring element of their habitat. According to International Cat Care, cat rubbing and bunting "seems to occur primarily in the 'core' area of their territory and appears to be related with comfort, reassurance, and positive social contacts."

This is why your cat rubs not only against you and other animals, but also against furniture, walls, and toys. It's your cat's world; you're just living in it.

Why does my cat refuse to nuzzle me?

It's fairly uncommon for a cat to refuse to nuzzle its owner; some cats aren't interested in outward displays of affection. This does not imply that your cat despises or despises you. Your cat's nuzzling behavior is influenced by its breed. Ragdolls and Maine coons, for example, are known for getting up in their human parents' faces on a regular basis. Your cat's behavior can also be influenced by his or her age. Kittens, for example, are usually more playful than older cats. Cats, on the other hand, desire and require more attention as they age, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, with many elderly cats becoming snuggle-bugs.

Consider yourself lucky if you're the recipient of a delicate stroke or a strong headbutt: you're your feline friend's favored person!

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