Overview
Cats rub their faces on people, furniture, and other pets to leave their scent, feel secure, and build social bonds. This gentle behaviour is called bunting — and it’s completely normal. But head pressing is different. This is when a cat firmly presses their head against walls, floors, or other solid objects — and it’s often a sign of something serious, like brain disease, liver problems, or even poisoning. Bunting is soft, brief, and usually happens while your cat is moving about. Head pressing is firm, repetitive, and tends to happen when a cat is still or seems disoriented.
Why does my cat rub against me?
Why do cats mark things with their scent?
What's the difference between bunting and head pressing?
How is head pressing diagnosed?
How is cat head pressing treated?
How should I respond to bunting?
Cat head rubbing or pressing FAQs
What does the research say?
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Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 28/07/2025 • Reviewed on 28/07/2025