Head Pressure in Dogs or Cats: Dan.ger.ous Signs That Wa.rn About Their Health

For illustrative purposes only

Our pets have their own language. They don’t speak, but their behavior is full of small, often discreet, signals that can alert us when they’re not feeling well.

Among them, a seemingly innocuous gesture—pressing their head against a wall or surface—can actually be a sign of a serious medical condition. Have you heard of “head pressing”?

This strange behavior should not be ignored

Seeing your cat or dog resting its head against a wall, without moving, can be funny… but it’s not a game, nor a whim. This behavior is called “head pressing.” It usually manifests itself in a fixed posture: the animal remains standing or sitting, resting its head against a wall or piece of furniture, sometimes for several minutes.

This gesture may be a reaction to neurological pain or internal discomfort.

Why does an animal act like this?

Head pressing can have several serious medical causes, including:

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• A neurological disorder (epilepsy, tumor, meningitis)
• Poisoning (household products, toxic plants)
• Head trauma that went unnoticed
• A stroke (cerebral attack)
• Intracranial hypertension

In any case, this gesture is a reaction to pain or deep discomfort in the nervous system. It is a way for the animal to relieve itself or protect itself from a feeling of discomfort.

Other signs that should alert you

“Pressing” is usually not an isolated sign. It may be accompanied by unusual behaviors such as:

• Disorientation or loss of balance
• Change in sleep habits
• Circle walk
• Hypersensitivity to light or noise
• Loss of appetite or extreme fatigue

Every animal reacts differently. If you notice several of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a veterinarian quickly.

A vital reflex: consult without delay

If you notice this behavior in your pet, don’t wait to take action. While it may seem harmless, it could signal a health problem that requires prompt attention. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of recovery.

The veterinarian will be able to carry out appropriate tests (blood tests, MRI, CT scan) to identify the origin of the problem. Sometimes, a simple poisoning is the cause; in other cases, it may be a more complex illness, but which can be treated with appropriate monitoring.

In summary

Our dogs and cats can’t talk, but their bodies can express discomfort. Learning to recognize abnormal behavior like head-pressing can make all the difference. Instinct and observation are your best allies when it comes to ensuring their well-being.