Cats are enigmatic animals that frequently act strangely. Although it may seem unusual, our feline pals regularly engage in kneading. Some cats prefer "making biscuits" more than others as well, and they will slobber and glaze around while they knead your lap or a soft blanket. What are cats doing when they knead, given that they aren't known for their baking abilities? This peculiar behavior is explained by a number of theories.
Why does your cat knead?
Why does your cat knead?
Cats naturally knead on soft surfaces, such as blankets, other cats' laps, or your own. A lot of cats will purr happily, nod off to sleep, and simply zone out as they enjoy the motion, suggesting that it is pleasant and calming. Here are a few of the more prevalent hypotheses about this feline behavior:
1 - Kneading while breastfeeding:
This comforting behavior may have started in kittenhood, as kittens would knead while nursing, and it may have carried over into adulthood. Evidence suggests that almost all cats knead, no matter their weaning age, debunking the assumption that adult cats who do so were prematurely weaned.
2 - Happy cats seem to knead to display delight.
Kneading to indicate contentment When getting pet attention or snuggling up for a nap, cats frequently knead. Alternatively, your cat might knead on the surface of your lap to express her happiness and love before settling in for a patent nap. When a cat feels worried, she may knead to relax.
The theory that dogs move in circles while lying down is similar to the idea that kneading can help cats develop a comfortable resting spot. Wild feline ancestors could knead the tall grass into plush mounds for a resting place, and our tamed pets may still engage in this behavior naturally.
3 - Kneading and marking territory
Cats use scent marks to claim areas and send messages to other cats. This behavior is strongly motivated by smell-related communication. Your cat has odor glands on her paws, and when she scratches and rubs, she leaves behind a scent that alerts other animals to her presence.
Methods for preventing your cat from kneading
Although kneading could seem like a cute behavior, if your cat does it with her claws out, it might be painful. She might unintentionally aggravate you and ruin your furniture or blankets. Consider using the following advice to promote proper kneading actions:
1: Keep the claws on your cat short to avoid sharp hooks.
1: Keep the claws on your cat short to avoid sharp hooks.
2: Tell the cat to knead somewhere else. Look into the Feliway product range and try a pheromone-based spray to get your cat to rub up against a blanket rather than your lap.
3: Treats or a toy might be used to divert her attention. Cats are quite trainable, so you can rapidly teach her to behave differently than kneading, such as sitting and chasing a toy.
4: Consider putting a thick, kneading-only specialized blanket over your lap to shield you from your cat's claws if she kneads while using them. This will also let your cat know that the blanket is the only place she is permitted to knead. If not, put her gently on the floor and occupy her with a toy or treat.
5: Never discipline your cat for rubbing. If she is penalized for her spontaneous, natural behavior, she is likely to react adversely and act violently. To preserve your cat's trust, stick with redirection and diversion strategies.
6: In general, kneading is not a reason for alarm in cats because it is a typical behavior that is beneficial to their health and welfare. When a cat massages a person, it shows how comfortable and pleased the cat is around them and can be an excellent way for the two of them to bond.
7: When cats paw at knitting, it can occasionally result in damage to items like sweaters, pillows, and blankets. If this happens, never smack the cat or stop them from kneading. Instead, gently steer the cat towards a different item by sliding it beneath their paws as you remove the original one. As an alternative, you can move their body slowly and delicately to a different blanket, cushion, or toy. When not in use, store any items you would rather not be damaged, and set aside a particular blanket and towel for the cat to use for kneading.
8: It might hurt someone who is being kneaded when cats deploy their claws for massage. Again, the cat has no intention for its behavior to be harmful, so there is no reason to penalize it for kneading with its claws. When the cat is kneading you, putting a large blanket or other soft object between the skin and the cat can prevent pain or scratches. Using plastic nail covers or keeping your cat's nails short can additionally prevent pain or harm.
9: Cats can have an abrupt change in kneading habits. A medical or behavioral issue may be present if they are meowing inexplicably while kneading or acting aggressively towards people and other cats within the house. Always check with your veterinarian to be sure there isn't a health condition that needs to be treated if your cat's behavior changes suddenly. If your cat exhibits any worrying behavioral changes, the vet can also give you advice.
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