A singular but significant behavior
Imagine your pet, whether a cat or a dog, standing still, pressing its head against a wall for no apparent reason. At first glance, this scene may seem harmless or funny. However, this behavior, known as “head pressing,” is often a telltale sign of intense pain or a neurological issue. Unlike the usual postures adopted for relaxation or play, this gesture indicates real distress.
Head-pressing is not just an eccentricity: it is a defense strategy used by the animal to alleviate internal suffering. When it adopts this attitude, it is because it is experiencing pain that it cannot express in a conventional way.
What are the possible origins of this behavior?
This symptom can be associated with various serious conditions, including:
- A brain mass : A tumor in the brain can exert pressure and cause atypical behaviors.
- Poisoning : Certain toxic agents such as pesticides or harmful plants can alter the nervous system.
- Encephalitis or meningitis : These inflammations of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain cause intense pain and behavioral disturbances.
- Head trauma : Undiagnosed shock can have serious repercussions.
- A seizure or stroke : An animal that presses its head may be suffering from a stroke or a neurological disorder.
