When many people see such cute dogs or cats, they can’t help but want to pet their heads. “Patting the head” seems to be a default way of saying hello, and pets seem to enjoy having their heads petted.

Why do cats and dogs like to have their heads touched?

It is difficult for cats and dogs to reach their own foreheads with their paws, let alone wash their own hair and face. So, when you offer to provide scratching and cleaning services at your doorstep, of course they will accept it!

For cats, stroking the head, scratching the chin, and cheeks is a kind of grooming behavior. When they were young, they were often licked by their mummies. When you groom them, they will think of their mummies and feel at ease and comfortable.

Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, especially on their heads. They will take the initiative to rub against furniture and poop, leaving their own scent and marking their territory, which can help cats relieve anxiety and relax.

If the cat takes the initiative to rub against you, it is saying hello to you, which means it likes you very much!

Is this why dogs like having their heads touched?

In fact, some dogs don’t like having their heads touched. Because in the dog world, touching someone else's head means that you have a higher status.

Dogs will hold down other dogs’ heads to show that they have a higher status than them.

If the dog refuses to pet your head, it means that it thinks that your status is too low and cannot be petted by you, otherwise it will lose face.

So when you meet an unfamiliar dog, don’t just go up and pet the person’s head. You may be disliked by the dog.