Kneading Cats will knead on many types of soft surfaces, including their humans especially when you are petting them. Besides being another way to mark you using the scent glands on their paw pads, your cat kneading you is a sign they feel comfortable around you. Kneading is an instinctive cat behavior. While it might not feel much like love when your cat spreads its body across your face, it actually is.
It could be that she is trying to suckle. Once he was weaned, he would gently bite my hand or arm and try to suckle. In the same way that you show affection to your cat by petting it, your cat may attempt to return the favor by licking you.
Kittens especially will use licking as a way to ease anxiety the way a human might use hugs. This may be true of cats when it comes to kneading, too. Just as a human child might continue to suck his or her thumb because it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and bring a sense of security, happiness, and calmness, the act of kneading may be a relaxing physical action for a cat to perform, and thus a cat may never drop this action in adulthood because of its positive psychological benefit.
Outdoor cats are probably still reaping the benefit of comfort while napping for this biologically ingrained habit today. It sure would come in handy in case a cat is ever separated from his or her owner, however: say in case a kitty wandered off too far and became lost.
This theory on cat kneading makes a lot of sense to me, as my cat, Avery, loves to knead specifically before he settles in to take a nap, usually in the evenings. Let me know if your kitty does the same, and when and where he or she is most likely to knead.
You know how we humans pull our arms behind our heads and push back our elbows to make our arms feel nice with a stretch? Considering they usually do it before a nap, it may be a way to prevent them from getting too stiff before they sit. Maybe we humans should take note and start stretching before we sit on the couch for a long Netflix binge. You know how cats try to mark their territory by rubbing their faces, scratching, and even sometimes peeing on specific items?
Cats have scent glands in a number of different places on their bodies: and the soft paws on their hand is one of them. While this may not explain why male cats knead, it does explain why a female cat may suddenly be increasing her kneading activity. Regardless of which theories are correct about cats kneading, the end result of the kneading all boils down to the same core sentiments. When a cat kneads, unlike when a cat purrs because, as you may not have known, when a cat purrs he or she is not always communicating happiness , that cat almost exclusively is having positive emotions.
A cat may knead to make itself feel better or less anxious, but the overall sentiment of the physical action of kneading is that performing this action is getting the cat to become happier, less stressed, and more secure. They knead in clothing like sweaters, scarves, and coats often as well. Your cat will get the hang of using the knead-friendly spot eventually. Ah, the belly knead.
Or the leg knead. Or arm, or whatever body part your kitty happens to love kneading on. Cats knead on people for the same reason they knead on blankets. Your cat may also be trying to claim you as his or her territory with the scent glands on his or her paws. Of course, your cat could also be trying to tenderize you so it can eat you! Kidding, but this was a joke made on Catster I thought was too good not to share! Read about the many theories that might explain why your cat may knead you, but not someone else here.
That includes why your cat may knead you but not your spouse or a roommate, even though your cat may show signs that he or she loves you both quite a great deal.
While you may appreciate your cat for kneading on you to show you his or her affection, you may also not appreciate the kneading itself so much — as it can hurt! So, kneading may be a way of returning the favor. To circumvent this, it is best to cover your lap with a thin blanket before they perch or to distract them with a cat treat. Another theory traces the roots of kneading to the wild ancestors of domesticated cats , who would knead grass to create a suitable sleeping place — similar to the circling dogs do before they settle in.
Though your cat may be long past nursing age, they might still enjoy the comforting sensation of being close to a protective figure they associate with kneading. Think of it as their way of showing they care enough to tell the rest of the feline world to keep their paws off you. Finally, a kneading cat may simply be a stretching cat. With power napping taking up so much of their day, cats need to take a break every so often and keep limber, at least until their next snooze is scheduled.
It is no surprise that cats have developed a purr that sounds similar to the cries of a small child , as though it was specifically designed to manipulate us.
So, why would our feline friends perform such an odd behavior? Kneading is the repetitive motion cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a soft surface. Some cats knead with their claws out, some cats only knead using their front paws, while other cats knead with all four paws. Kneading appears to be a relaxing, comforting behavior, as most cats purr while kneading.
Some also drool and have a glazed-over look in their eyes as they soak in the enjoyment of kneading. Many people believe that kneading is the sign of a kitten who was weaned too young. Most cats perform this behavior, regardless of when they were weaned during kittenhood. Many theories abound as to why cats knead, and no one answer appears to be correct.
From the start, kittens begin kneading at an early age while nursing. The repetitive motion of kneading stimulates milk production in the mother cat, providing nourishment for the kittens. Kneading seems to be an instinctive behavior carried over from kittenhood, and some cats still suckle on the corner of a blanket while kneading. Cats may still knead into adulthood, relating the relaxing act with the comfort of nursing. Feel blessed if your cat chooses to knead on your lap, as she is showing how much she cares for you.
And, we all know how challenging it can sometimes be to get a cat to admit her feelings! Besides showing affection, a cat may knead to display her stress or unease, as kneading is a comforting behavior. Occasionally, a cat will knead during a veterinary visit to help her relax. Nothing feels better than a good stretch for stiff muscles.
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