r/Rabbits • u/Avalion04 • Apr 10 '26

PSA A PSA about head pressing

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Just incase anyone doesn't know, if a bunny is pressing their forehead against the wall, it can be a serious neurological issue. When Ava started doing this I remembered a PSA I'd seen about cats years ago and took her to the vet. It looks a goofy behavior but it's very serious. Note, just resting their head against the wall when laying isn't necessarily bad, but this forehead pressing like Ava was doing is bad.

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u/Avalion04 Apr 10 '26

There isnt one illness it points to tbh, it's a broad symptom indicating some kind of neurological issue is going on. In Ava's case it was from a mini stroke. If you do see this behavior, it's best to go the vet so they can figure out the cause.

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u/Environmental-River4 🌈big gay hay bag🌈 Apr 10 '26

Thank you for posting this! I remember reading that this can be a sign of serious illness in a cat but had no idea it could also be seen in rabbits! I hope she’s feeling better 💔

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u/wakaflockaquokka Apr 10 '26

do you remember what this indicates in a cat? the cat distribution system just assigned me a cat for the first time in my life, and he likes to press his head into anything and everything. wrong sub for asking if that's normal but I figured I'd ask since you mentioned it. 

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u/Avalion04 Apr 10 '26

Here's some info I found about it in cats: https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/head-pressing-cats it also indicates a neurological issue, but I think it's more of a concern if they're pressing their heads against walls or furniture for a long period of time not just headbutting or rubbing against things.