One cat’s peculiar yet endearing habit has captured viral attention online after gaining over 1 million views on TikTok.
In the video shared by @kierajay_, the black and white cat can be seen having an extraordinary reaction to being overcome with excitement.
The text overlay read: “POV: Your cat smacks his head when he is excited,” as the cat energetically bumped its head almost aggressively against stair railings while the owner behind the camera exclaimed: “Oh my God.”
The video’s caption said: “His two brain cells are fighting for last place,” and as the cat repeatedly thumps its head, the internet is left in stitches, with viewers sharing their own experiences of similar antics from their furry friends.
Headbutting like this in cats isn’t unheard of, in fact they engage in headbutting, or bunting, as a means of depositing their pheromones, creating a colony scent.
The International Cat Association (TICA) President Vicki Jo Harrison previously told Newsweek: “Rubbing behavior is learned and passed down from mother to kitten,” while she also revealed that it may have a second purpose: “Rubbing against something can also be used to gain information, as cats rely heavily on their sense of smell.”
Cats have scent glands in various parts of their bodies, including cheeks, lips, forehead, paw pads and tail. A sign of bonding or affection, the headbutting helps them leave their scent on an object, or person, indicating safety and familiarity.
Additionally, headbutting can serve as a means for cats to seek attention or self-soothe. But the absence of headbutting isn’t necessarily indicative of a problem either.
Nataba/Getty Images
In thousands of comments people shared their reactions to the adorable yet unusual footage.
One commenter wrote: “My cat does this, and I swear her head sounds hollow when she does it.”
TikTok user Gooseyeet humorously exclaimed, “Bro THUMPED that banister.” While Layla said: “[I] think they do that when they’re rubbing their scent in something [and] saying this is mine.”
Others were all too familiar with the overzealous method of headbutting, having seen it in their own pets: “I’m pretty sure my cat has given himself multiple concussions from him slamming his head into walls and doors,” said one commenter, while another wrote: “I have a cat who does this, literally throws herself into stuff lmao.”
Newsweek has reached out to @kierajay_ via TikTok for comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
