Veterinarians explain why all cats love to have their heads scratched

If you've had experience with cats, you've probably noticed that not all of them like to be petted on the back or belly. The only exception in this regard is the head, which is the only place where scratching evokes an exceptionally positive reaction. In this case, the cat blissfully squints, purrs, and demonstrates a desire to continue the "massage" indefinitely.

What's the deal here and why cats love having their heads scratched so much, explains OBOZ. UA.

Hygiene, recognizing familiars, and pleasant memories

Veterinarians name several reasons why cats love head scratching.

First of all, it is hygiene. Cats are very clean animals. Throughout the day, they pay great attention to cleaning their fur to get rid of parasites and the odor they emit.

At the same time, the head remains a hard-to-reach place where the cat can only reach with its paw. That's why when you scratch its head, it really feels good to the animal – because the skin on its head does not always receive sufficient care.

Another reason cats love head scratching is their natural mechanisms for recognizing "familiar." Animals have sebaceous glands on their heads that emit an individualized odor that is elusive to us.

Like many other reflexes, the need to "mark" others is stimulated by nature through pleasure. That's why stroking a cat's head is similar to rubbing it against something itself.

There is also an idea that head scratching reminds animals of their moms who licked them when they were kittens, which is definitely a positive memory.

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