Why does a cat knead you with its paws?
A cat lying on your lap rhythmically kneads its paws, pressing them down one by one. Its eyes are closed, and its body is relaxed — the cat is purring with pleasure. This is the state of feline nirvana. So why does a cat knead you with its paws?
Zoologist Denis Morris coined the term «milk step» to describe a kitten’s behavior when it kneads its mother’s milk glands to stimulate the flow of milk.
Such behavior is undoubtedly aimed at achieving the kitten’s goal of getting more milk. But why do adult cats behave the same way and knead you?
Behaviorist scientists suggest that adult cats knead their paws to:
- Comfort themselves when they feel anxious
- Show satisfaction
- Mark an object or owner with their scent
However, there is a downside to this behavior. Kittens taken away from their mother too early may not only knead their paws but also try to suck your skin, earlobes, or soft toys. In severe cases, they may chew, suck, or even eat textile products. Siamese cats are more prone to this behavior.
Therefore, if your cat is simply kneading its paws while in a relaxed state — relax and enjoy the gentle massage. But if your cat does this aggressively or too eagerly, talk to your veterinarian.
Why does a cat knead you with its paws?
Cats can knead on humans for various reasons, and this behavior can have several different interpretations.
- The cat wants to increase comfort on your spot. When a cat kneads on you, it may be trying to position itself in a way that is more comfortable and softer.
- The cat shows care and love. Kneading movements can indicate that the cat feels attached to you and is trying to establish closer contact.
- The cat displays territoriality. Cats may knead on humans to mark you with their scent and establish their territory. This may be particularly likely if you have just returned home after a long absence.
- The cat experiences stress or anxiety. When a cat experiences stress, it may start kneading on you as a way to reduce its own anxiety. This may be particularly likely if you have noticed other signs of stress in your cat, such as frequent meowing or unusual behavior.
In any case, if you are not sure why your cat is kneading, it is better to observe its behavior as a whole and consult a veterinarian or behavioral specialist for additional information and advice.
Humor about cats. Schedule of cat and cat lovers’ daily routine.
Let’s go: wake up and don’t forget to pet your beloved pet, as it’s clearly treading on your head or torso with the desire to wake you up. And as soon as you open your eyes, you hear an innocent «Meow». Or «Purr» — you’re looking for me, I want to eat.
Next, try to have breakfast while also remembering to feed your cat, read the newspaper or a book while bending your whole body. Because in front of you, there’s the tail of your pet who just ate, clearly wanting to thank you.
So after breakfast, convince your cat that it’s not possible to catch the bird outside the window. Your pet clearly doesn’t want to know that and invites you to help him. Or without your help, he tears the curtains off the window.
You start cleaning, but you clearly don’t intend to turn on the vacuum cleaner as your cat is scared of that sound. Let’s try using a broom, but that’s not working either. The cat gave up catching birds and started catching the broom instead. He’s much better at that. While you were soaking a rag to clean the floor, he lounged in the middle of the room. Well, you won’t move him, so you’ll have to wait.
You can prepare lunch while convincing your cat that there are peas in the canned food, not cat pate. Well, who cares, the cans open with the same sound anyway.
Try to teach your cat to close all the doors that he opens. Try to convince him that there’s a speed limit when moving around the apartment. And throwing himself under your feet while being outraged that he got touched is not decent. Although you’re unlikely to succeed.
Try to convince your cat that the law of universal gravity applies even when he hangs on your favorite curtain.
And most importantly, make it clear to your cat that three o’clock in the morning is not the best time for fun. Yeah, where’s the owner’s personal time in this routine? Only when your pet falls asleep, take advantage of the smiling fortune.
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