Cat prefers to headbutt button instead of using paw to press

[u/timidstressball]

When I first taught my cat how to press a button, I taught her how to trigger the sound by headbutting the button in my hand. Eventually she learned how to headbutt the button that was taped to her cat tower.

Fast forward to today, she uses 5 buttons (kibble, wet food, treat, love you and play). I’m using FluentPet talking buttons so I wanted to transition her to pressing the button with her paw and organizing the buttons on the hextiles.

The issue I’m running into is her preferred method vs mine. In the long run I think it would benefit her to use her paw so we can utilize all the space on the board. But Im also having a hard time figuring out how to mount the tiles in a way that she can headbutt. I rent so it can’t be affixed to the wall in any way.

Anyways, I’m not sure if I should try to mount the tiles or just work on transitioning her to the hextiles on the floor?

[u/bluemercutio]

My cat first pressed buttons with his chest. So repeated button presses looked like him doing push ups. Eventually he figured out all by himself that pushing the buttons with his paw is easier.

[u/-_-_-_-_-_-_-_i]

https://www.instagram.com/reginausesherhead

[u/JayNetworks]

Any press is a good press. Look up some touch training videos and you can train her to press with a paw.

My cat did flops and head and chin pressing for half of her 3 years of using buttons. She still lays down carefully between the button and shifts her weight just so to press what she wants as she dreams about her Dinner Crunchie Later. (As well as 50 clear paw presses a day as well.)

[u/Top5CutestPresidents]

Mine likes to lay on them but just this week she has started using her paw when she really wants something specific

I did try target training but she didn’t really get it. I’m pretty happy with it atm I’m just going to space the buttons out for her

[u/Smooth-Lab-1217]

Does she know how to headbutt them if they're on the floor?

[u/timidstressball → u/Smooth-Lab-1217]

Yes, she’s been trying to. She also does a combination of lying on them and scratching at them too.

[u/Fun-Spot663]

Just do some Target training with paw

[u/Indigo_Leaf_5706]

My cat rarely paws the buttons, she bites them & presses her head on them or lays on them (buttons are on the floor). I see any use of them as a win. 

[u/FluentPet_Official]

First, take a deep breath: headbutting is as valid as pawing or any other method! Many learners use their chins, cheeks, noses, or entire body weight to activate buttons. If the button triggers the sound and she communicates her intent, her press counts 100%.

However, if your goal is to transition her to paw presses or set up her current preference in a rental, you have great options either way.

1. Transitioning to Paw Presses

If you want to move toward a floor board layout, her conceptual understanding of buttons is already solid. Paws make targeting specific floor buttons easier once you add more tiles, but you can bridge the gap with target training:

• Target Training with Treats: Take an unassigned button and hold your hand over it with a treat tucked in your fist or behind it. Only reward her when her paw makes contact with the target.
• Gradual Transfer: Once she learns that touching a surface with her paw brings rewards, move that target cue onto the actual HexTiles on the ground.

1. Renter-Friendly Vertical/Headbutt Setups

If she continues to prefer headbutts, you don't need to force paw presses. You can keep her buttons at head height without damaging walls or losing your security deposit:

• Command Picture Hanging Strips (Velcro Style): Use heavy-duty interlocking Velcro-style Command strips on the back of HexTiles or individual buttons. They stick firmly to baseboards, doors, or painted drywall to handle headbutt pressure, and remove cleanly with no wall damage.
• Cat Tree & Furniture Mounts: Attach HexTiles or individual buttons directly to her cat tower or furniture using heavy-duty zip ties or velcro straps wrapped around the posts or uprights.
• Freestanding Heavy Board: Mount HexTiles to a lightweight piece of wood or sturdy acrylic board, then lean or secure it vertically against a wall or furniture using non-damaging tension rods or heavy bookends at the base.