My cat is pulling my hair out

V
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Hi everyone,

I'm the proud cat mum of three cats that I love like my own children. One is a one-year-old male who I hand-reared, and then there are two little four-month-old girls. They all get on brilliantly. At home, it's all about playtime and endless cuddles. The male is very affectionate towards me; he shows it all the time, you don't even need words to understand him. But here's the thing: last night I was brushing my teeth with him perched on the bathroom sink unit as he does every night,

and he asked to climb onto my shoulders as usual. I let him. He gave my ear a little nibble and then, as if he'd suddenly gone into a frenzy, he dug his claws into my head and started pulling my hair out with his teeth.

I don't want to think he just hates my haircut or my colour, but I'd rather find an explanation for this feline behaviour. If anyone has any ideas... thanks in advance.

Translated from French
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7 answers
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    • Blue_Cat
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    Hi there, Is it possible you’ve got a new scent in your hair? Maybe a new shampoo, a new perfume, or have you recently had your hair coloured? Cats are primarily scent-oriented and can get really ‘excited’ by certain smells. When I changed my perfume and put a dab behind my ears, one of my cats went absolutely bonkers and started rubbing frantically against my neck (it was just like the effect catnip has on them...).
    Translated from French
    Aurore Boréale
    Aurore boréale Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    In my case, it’s just a game.

    When I lean down towards my cat and my hair brushes against her, she starts swatting and nipping at it, just like she does with her piece of string.

    Translated from French
    Gigi397
    Gigi397 Icon representing the flag French
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    Do you get static electricity when you brush your hair?

    I had a similar thing happen with one of my cats. Every time I brushed my hair with an electrical appliance nearby, my hair would stand on end, and if anyone touched me at that moment, they’d get a tiny static shock.

    I've had this since I was a little girl – it's nothing serious, just a bit annoying.

    Maybe he’s sensing that? He’s the only cat who’s ever reacted to it; I’ve never had any issues with the dogs or other animals I pick up. Mind you, I make sure not to touch anything electrical while I’m holding them.

    gigi397

    Translated from French
    V
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    It’s true that he’s very affectionate with me... he doesn’t like any barriers between us. My bedroom door has to stay open so he can come in whenever he feels like it. If I shut it, he scratches or thumps (?) at it until I open up. And every time, I find him lying right there with his paws in the air, looking absolutely precious. He also loves climbing onto my shoulders, but to save myself from his claws, I hold out my arms so he can get up more easily. Your explanation really matches what I’ve been feeling, even if it was a bit hard to hear. I’ll try to avoid grooming him in the future. Thanks 👋
    Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    Personally, I don’t think it’s anything to do with your hair dye or your haircut; it’s more likely a sign of affection that feels a bit unpleasant to us because it’s uncomfortable and even painful, but it’s a sign of affection all the same 👌

    In a way, your cat is grooming you just as they would another feline companion; it’s a sign that they’ve fully accepted you and really like you. My first cat, the one I’m closest to, used to lick and nibble my hair while kneading my scalp with his paws (ouch, those claws!). I would gently push him away by moving my head to show him I wasn’t exactly a fan, and now he’s moved on to my eyebrows and hands instead 🙂. My second one, on the other hand, climbs up my back to perch on my shoulders.... each to their own.

    It’s a sign of love from your cat, but if it’s painful, try saying "no" very gently; they will find another way to show you their affection.

    Translated from French
    V
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    Hi there, it’s the first time he’s behaved like this, and he seemed quite settled. I’ve tried a new shampoo... but I change them quite often 🙄

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
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    Did he slip and try to catch himself on your hair? Have you had your hair coloured recently? Has he ever done this sort of thing before?

    Translated from French

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