TL;DR: Head pressing is a life-threatening neurological emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. If your cat compulsively leans their head against walls or hard objects, transport them to an emergency clinic right away.
What does head pressing in cats look like?
Head pressing is a distinct clinical sign where a cat compulsively and forcefully leans their forehead against a wall, a corner, or another hard object for an extended period. It is important to distinguish this from "head bunting," which is the affectionate behavior where a cat rubs their face against you or furniture. In head pressing, the cat remains still, often appears dazed, and does not seem to be seeking attention or comfort.
Is head pressing a medical emergency for my cat?
- Urgency Level: High. Head pressing is a critical veterinary emergency that typically indicates a serious neurological issue or damage to the forebrain.
- Potential Causes: Underlying triggers include toxic poisoning (such as lead or antifreeze), metabolic disorders (like liver shunt or kidney failure), brain tumors, strokes, or severe infections.
- Immediate Action: Because these conditions can be life-threatening, you should transport your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Why should I take a photo or video of my cat's behavior?
- Capture the behavior: Take a quick 10-to-15-second video or clear photo of your cat head pressing before leaving for the vet.
- Overcome adrenaline masking: Cats often experience an adrenaline surge at the clinic, which can cause them to temporarily stop the behavior or mask symptoms during an exam.
- Show the home environment: A recording allows the veterinarian to see exactly what is happening in the home setting.
- Improve diagnostic speed: Providing visual evidence helps the veterinary team reach a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Medical problems must be excluded as a cause of behavioral changes. Self-mutilation, excessive grooming, and/or self-directed aggression can be due to conditions that cause neuropathic pain or pruritus, such as adverse food reactions, atopic dermatitis, and parasitic hypersensitivity. Neuropathic pain, dermatologic conditions, myopathies, and focal seizures can present with similar signs. A therapeutic response trial for neuropathic pain, seizures, or pruritus might be part of the diagnostic process.
Chapter: Behavioral Medicine, Dermatology, Neurology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1574)