I’m convinced the head bonk is essentially the most loving thing a cat can do.
I agree
Also funny is how forcefully tomcats do it, like they’re trying to show off their strength and masculinity. Like “I LOVE YOU A LOT BRO”
(said tomcats I’ve had this experience with were subsequently neutered when they retired into our family home, but they kept doing the macho head bonk)
I adore the way they’ll stand up into your hand if you’re going to give them head scritches. Like, mine gets so excited he can’t wait that fraction of a second. Such a lovebug.
That, and face rubs
We had a cat that would start from a distance and work his way in. First there would be a loud bonk when he walked head first into the coffee table, then your shins, and then up to the lap and aim for your chin. He didn’t seem to hold back on the force either.
mine loves to rub his nose against mine, it’s delightful. when I first found him (or rather, he found us and I managed to prevent him escaping), being cuddled up to my face was the first time he purred - actually, I’d gotten frustrated that he was staying so hostile even after hours of careful enticement, and I grabbed him very much against his will, but as soon as i held him up against my face/chest he was just a little ball of purring joy.
even half a year later, when he’s feeling snuggly he will get right up on my chest and try to occupy the same space my head does.