The question of why a cat, when lying on you, begins to move its front paws, as if massaging, is one of the most frequently asked questions of those who share their lives with representatives of the feline family.
It is certainly a curious behavior: suddenly, your cat approaches you and begins to knead your belly, your leg or another part of your body, moving its front paws rhythmically. A cat can accompany this movement with a purr or a meow, and sometimes it does not do this at the owner at all, but, for example, on a sofa or a bed. Some cats “knead” with their claws retracted, otherwise they release them. So why do they do it? Let’s say.
Origin of this behavior
Cats learn to knead when they are still kittens and nursing. Kneading the breast with the front paws pushes the milk out of the mother so that it comes out better and the kitten can drink it more easily. Thus, kneading becomes a reflex that the cat maintains throughout its life.
Adult kneading was once thought not to be a natural behavior, but a problem resulting from premature weaning.
However, over time it has been proven that the vast majority of cats continue to reach adulthood, regardless of whether they were sooner or later separated from their mother.
Just because porridge was originally intended to make kitten feeding easier, doesn’t mean your cat likes you because it wants food or because it thinks you’re its mother. It simply means that this behavior is acquired early in life. This reflex is closely linked to relaxation and well-being.
Kitty.
image source: freepik.com
Reasons why a cat “kneads”
There are many theories that attempt to explain. We’ve compiled the most popular among feline behavior experts.
- The cat is preparing to rest. The first reason cats warm up is to prepare a comfortable place to rest. In this case, this behavior may be due to the need of cats living in the wild to crush leaves and branches on the ground in order to create a comfortable place to rest. Whatever their origin, women and men can instinctively start kneading a blanket, a sofa or yourself, so that they can then lie down in greater comfort.
- The cat marks its territory. Cats are territorial animals, so another reason a feline might knead a surface or a person is to mark their territory. Cats have a number of scent glands (i.e. those that produce odors and pheromones) on their pads which are activated when the surface is kneaded.
You can assume that your cat is trying to notice what he is kneading, including himself, if he is also rubbing his cheeks, chin or whiskers. This happens most often (but not only) when several cats live in the same house. So if your cat is petting you, he may be trying to tell the world (and your other pets) that you are his.
- In times of happiness. In many cases, the cat kneads simply because it is comfortable and comfortable. The cat associates kneading with a situation of great well-being: when it was small and safe with its mother and fed. This is why kneading can occur as a reflex when the animal is relaxed and feels good. Good sign!
- Emotional attachment. Contrary to popular belief, cats bond with their human owners and even with other animals in the house and love their company, to the point of always following them around the house. If you have a cat, dog or rodent at home, your pet can also “knead” them, as well as lick and gnaw them at the same time. With other animals, an attachment, an emotional connection, can also form. In other words: your cat can play with you simply because he loves you and enjoys being with you. This is especially likely if your cat is one of the most affectionate cat breeds in the world.
Kneading is almost always a sign of affection or an indicator that the cat is happy and relaxed.
- Sip with kneading. Cats spend most of their lives sleeping. And after such a long sleep, they usually stretch, which gives cats a special mood.
Do not confuse kneading with other activities
Don’t confuse kneading with activities such as nail sharpening or cat laying during estrus.
The two most common examples are:
Pose of a horse cat during estrus. One of the typical signs that a cat is in heat is the rhythmic movement of its hind legs, which it usually does, tucking in its tail and exposing its genitals. This is a riding or lordosis posture that has nothing to do with kneading. However, many cats tend to knead more frequently when in heat. Kneading is also different from nail sharpening, a motion cats perform while driving and running their front claws across various surfaces. The purpose of this behavior is to keep the nails in good condition and to mark territory.
What to do if a cat scratches you with its claws during kneading
Cats often release their claws when kneading something or someone. This gesture can make kneading a very painful moment, but it is important to understand that the cat is not going to hurt you. It’s just a reflex.
That’s why if a cat scratched you with its claws while kneading you, it’s important to suppress the urge to push it away quickly. Also, don’t yell and punish her. If you do any of these things, your cat probably won’t associate it with scratching, but with kneading you or, even worse, being in your arms. She will think that lying on top of you or even getting close to you is unsafe, which can create behavioral issues.
It’s hard to keep your cat from dropping its claws during kneading if it has this habit, so prevention is your best weapon. If your cat often climbs on your back and kneads you at times (when you’re on the couch, in bed, etc.), keep a thick towel handy and place it in your lap when your cat sits down .
Of course, to minimize damage, it’s also highly recommended to keep your nails trimmed and in good condition.
See also: What you need to know before having a cat.
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