How to teach your cat to head bump on cue
Your cat rubs its cheek on your offered hand on cue, turning a natural greeting into a named trick.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 6-12 sessions
You'll need
- soft verbal marker
- small soft treats
Why it matters
Cheek rubbing is how cats greet friends and leave scent. On cue, your cat can say hello and you can read when it wants contact.
Before you start
Pick a calm moment when your cat is already friendly and rubbing, like when you come home or before breakfast.
Step by step
Notice the rub
Hold your hand loosely at cat head height, knuckles out, and keep still. When your cat rubs its cheek on it, say your soft marker and treat.
Move on when: Marks 5 natural cheek rubs
Tip: Use a soft word like "Yes"; a clicker close to the face can startle.
Offer the hand
Offer the same loose fist a little away from your cat. Mark when the cheek touches.
Move on when: Comes to rub the offered hand 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Cats often rub when you blink slowly. Try it.
Add the cue
Say "Bump" right as you offer your hand. Mark the rub.
Move on when: Rubs within 3 seconds of the cue 4 out of 5 times
Tip: If your cat is not in the mood, stop. This trick depends on choice.
Other places
Offer your hand in different spots: by your knee, on a chair arm. Mark rubs.
Move on when: Rubs your hand in 3 spots
Tip: Keep sessions to 5 marks; it is a social trick, not a workout.
The cue
- Say
- “Bump”
- Hand signal
- Loose fist, knuckles out, held at the cat's head height
If it isn't working
- Sniffs and leaves
- Your cat may not want contact right now. Try again at a friendlier time, like greetings.
- Headbutts hard or bites your hand
- That can mean overstimulation. Mark a lighter, shorter touch and end sooner.
- Only rubs at mealtime
- Use that time for practice, then slowly try other times.
Safety
Safety- Never push your hand into the cat's face. The cat chooses the contact.
- Stop on a flicking tail, flattened ears, dilated pupils, lip licking or walking away.
- End on an easy win next time.
Mastered when
Rubs your offered hand on cue in 2 rooms, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 cued head bumps
Variations
- Head bump on a guest's hand
- Head bump the camera for a selfie
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Tips for clicker training your cat (Cats Protection)
- 3 easy tricks to teach your cat (Fear Free Happy Homes)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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