"Tish" wrote

I had always understood that this kind of head-grooming was asserting
the groomer's dominance over the groom-ee. Could it be that Eli is
maintaining his position as the dominant boy-cat in the household?

Wow, I didn't know it.... I'm sure - assuming your information sources are
correct - that must be what's going on. He certainly is the dominant cat
here lately. I'm just glad he gave up (knock on wood) spraying indoors.