Why Do Cats Lower Their Head When You Pet Them?
The Adorable Mystery Behind This Cat Behavior
If you’ve ever reached out to pet a cat, you’ve probably noticed something curious—they lower their head as your hand approaches. At first, I thought my cat, Luna, was just being shy. But then I realized she did it every single time.
So, what’s going on here? Is it a sign of trust, submission, or something else entirely? Let’s dive into the feline mind and uncover the real reasons behind this behavior.
1. A Sign of Trust and Affection
When a cat lowers its head as you pet it, it’s often a huge sign of trust. In the wild, a cat exposing its neck or head would be incredibly vulnerable. So, if your cat does this around you, it’s basically saying:
“I feel safe with you.”
“I trust that you won’t hurt me.”
“You’re part of my family.”
Personal anecdote: My cat only does this with me—not with strangers. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a reflex but a deep sign of comfort and trust.
2. Encouraging More Petting (Yes, They’re Manipulating You)
Let’s be real—cats know what they want. If they lower their head when you pet them, they might just be guiding your hand to the right spot.
The Favorite Petting Zones
The base of the ears – Many cats love gentle rubs here.
The cheeks – A prime spot packed with scent glands.
The chin – Some cats absolutely melt when you scratch under their chin.
Ever noticed how your cat pushes into your hand when you scratch their chin? That’s their way of saying: "Yes, human, right there—don’t stop!"
3. A Leftover Kitten Reflex
Another possible reason? It’s a leftover instinct from kittenhood. When kittens nurse from their mother, they instinctively lower their heads and knead with their paws.
Some cats retain this behavior into adulthood, especially when they’re feeling extra relaxed. If your cat lowers its head while purring and blinking slowly, congrats—you’ve unlocked maximum kitty happiness.
My theory? Some cats see petting as a comforting, motherly act. That’s why they respond with this instinctive motion.
4. Avoiding Direct Eye Contact
In the cat world, staring is a sign of dominance or aggression. If your cat lowers its head while you pet it, it might just be avoiding eye contact to show submission and comfort.
Signs That Your Cat Is Relaxed
Slow blinking (aka the "I love you" blink).
Ears in a neutral position (not flattened or twitching).
Soft body language (no tense muscles or flicking tail).
Fun fact: If you want to return the favor, try slow-blinking back at your cat. It’s like a secret handshake of trust.
5. Sensory Overload—It’s Just Too Good!
Ever had a head massage so good you just melted into the chair? Yeah, cats feel that too.
When you hit the perfect petting spot, some cats instinctively lower their heads because:
The sensation is overwhelming (in a good way).
It triggers a relaxation response.
They’re just fully enjoying the moment.
Proof? Some cats get so into it that they even drool while being petted! (Gross, but adorable.)
Conclusion: It’s a Feline Love Language
So, why do cats lower their head when you pet them? It’s a mix of:
Trust – They feel safe with you.
Guidance – They’re directing you to the best petting spots.
Instinct – A leftover kitten reflex.
Comfort – They’re totally relaxed.
Avoiding eye contact – A sign of non-aggression.
Next time your cat lowers its head for a pet, take it as a compliment. You’ve earned their trust—and maybe a few extra minutes of head rubs too.
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Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.