Cats have some fairly lovable behaviors. Head-butting, keyboard-napping, eye-squinting, and printer-prowling high the listing, however above all else, the rhythmic entrance paw kneading really takes the tuna-flavored cake. Cats knead as a holdover from infancy when their bite-sized paws stimulated the let-down of their mom’s milk for a well-timed snack. That explains rather a lot, however why do they proceed to do that properly past kittenhood?
Glad Paws
The only reply to this kitty conundrum is: cats knead as a result of it feels good. They tune into emotions of goodness and contentedness they felt as nursing kittens, and it exhibits on their blissed-out faces. They could seem reflective, happy, and completely delighted, however the floor on which they knead makes an enormous distinction. Kneading the ground simply doesn’t hit the identical as kneading a gentle, cozy rug or human.
My Squishy!
Primarily, cats knead on squishy, plush blankets or pillows. They could even choose gentle, welcoming laps. In case your cat ever does this to you, contemplate this the last word praise. Not solely does your cat view you as their mom, however they’re revealing their most susceptible state to you.
If, for some cause, you don’t get pleasure from being kneaded by your cat, politely transfer them to a different most popular floor, like a favourite pillow, blanket, or spot within the house. Supply reward and encouragement, and possibly a wholesome deal with to bolster the choice location as a optimistic one.
By no means scold or punish your cat for attempting out this purr-fectly regular feline habits on you. Be sure you maintain their claws trimmed to scale back any scratching or clawing.
Is That All?
Moreover, cats knead as a solution to distribute their scent by means of their paws. They’ve scent glands throughout their little, furry our bodies, however the ones positioned of their paw pads are extremely efficient at staking out their territory. Cats additionally mark their territory by scratching sure surfaces or areas (plus the stretch to their shoulders and backs feels so good!). All the time present vertical and horizontal surfaces that entice and profit your cat.
Within the Wild
Cats that dwell open air should go to nice lengths to make sure their security and luxury. With regards to discovering a spot to sleep, some cats will push down on tall grass and brush to be able to make a mattress. This motion carefully resembles kneading and helps to create a gentle little mattress for chilling out or defending their younger. Domesticated cats have inherited this trait of their wild family members, and make efforts to arrange their house for the coziest nap of all time.
Cats Knead, and We’re Right here for It!
Wherever you stand on the spectrum of this feline habits, you might discover it delightfully charming, or adorably complicated. We hope that we’ve supplied some perception into this quirk so that you could be get pleasure from it as a lot as doable.
If in case you have extra questions on feline well being or habits, please name us at (207) 729-4678. We’re at all times right here in your furry buddies at Androscoggin Animal Hospital!
