Do big cats, such as Tigers, like having their heads scratched like domestic cats?

Question

They all come from the same family (somewhat) so I would assume the anatomical structure would be the same. I am also referring to TAMED Tigers. Well, if Tigers can really be tamed.

Answer 1

yuppp

its a sign of submission to them. so they get happy. lol

Answer 2

Big cats, like smaller felines, naturally enjoy tactile interaction within their species, and more specifically their family group. Grooming, and other forms of touch are displays of affection and generally enjoyed. If you raise a social animal like this in captivity they usually consider you their family group and consequently, although we obviously can't ask them, it would appear that they do enjoy physical contact with humans. Most species that naturally touch each other, (canines for example) can adjust to being touched by humans. On the other hand, species that don't show affection this way, (reptiles for example) don't tend to enjoy being handled (consider that in the wild they're usually only touched if something is attempting to eat them). They can become complacent, but it's unlikely that they truly enjoy the experience.

Concerning another answers to this question, some big cat species can in fact purr. Like other felines, they are capable of making a wide variety of noises. Tigers and lions can actually make a purring noise but don't typically do so often. They're best known for roaring (which is not a substitute for purring). Other big cats such as mountain lions or cheetahs who don't technically roar can produce a better purr and do so more frequently (but obviously not as a substitute for roaring).

While it may not be tigers specifically, from two years of personal experience I can tell you with absolute certainty that cheetahs do purr, and from my perspective they seem to enjoy having their heads scratched.

Answer 3

Yes (How fun would that be!)

Answer 4

Yes, there really isn't much of a difference.  Just like you could have a feral tabby cat which is untamed, you could have a tiger that is as tame as a lap cat sunbathing in a bay window.  Those cats that trust you enough to stroke their fur will enjoy the experience.  

Answer 5

I think so. I think it can be regarded a part of grooming/showing affection, maybe?

Answer 6

Yes, they do like it but unlike their smaller counterparts, they can't purr. They show their approval by roaring.