Question:
I house-sit for friends' pets whenever they need me, and I've experienced some rather odd behavior involving certain cats I've cared for.These cats frequently "groom" my head whenever given the chance. They paw or claw through my hair, licking and chewing it and nipping at my scalp. This can last for 10 to 15 minutes, if I allow it. It doesn't hurt (unless they get particularly enthusiastic), but it does leave my hair wet and tangled. One cat in particular would attempt to groom me extensively every time I would sit or lie down within his sight.The interesting thing is, these cats don't act this way with the owners or family members, and I'm getting a little paranoid. Are these cats aware of some deficiency in my own personal grooming habits of which I'm unaware (hopefully not, I bathe every day)? Or can they perhaps sense some health issue of mine that I have not discovered?I hope there's a healthy, instinctual explanation for this behavior directed only at me. Any advice you might have would be greatly app
A.L.D., Great Falls, Va Nov 13, 2005
Answer:
Our scalps produce a natural oily substance that contains certain pheromones. These are chemical signals that play an important role in the social, reproductive and emotional lives of most, if not all, mammals, including humans. Peoples' scalps have different scents -- those of infants are extremely pleasant and distinctive.Maybe your scalp scent is attractive to cats. To be certain, don't use any soaps, shampoos or other toiletries (especially hair conditioner) containing tallow and other animal-derived ingredients that many cats find attractive. Cats often enjoy licking face and body creams and lotions that contain animal fat, collagen, placental material, serum and who-knows-what-else derived from dead-animal renderings.
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