My cat is a 3 year old female, and ever since we gave her mother away around when she was 3 months, she has been kneading on me at night. She doesn't lay on me at all, she just waits for me to lay down and then starts kneading on my belly. Why?
2006-06-21 04:16:48 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She loves you and thinks of you as a mother figure. MY cats have always done that.. it is a way they show love and affection. We enjoy it so much
2006-06-21 04:21:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kneading is something many, may cats do well into their adult life. It is a sign of love and affection. It carries over from when the cat was a baby and would knead on it's mother while nursing. My cat kneads me and any other "soft" thing she wants to lay on. Why did you give mom away?
2006-06-28 09:00:10 · answer #2 · answered by ginabgood1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a cat kneads it is a response that has been ingrained in them since kittenhood. A kitten would knead its mother's belly when it would want to nurse. It's a comfort response. Most likely she is missing her mother and companion, and so she is "adopting" you as her new mom. I have a cat that has been with me for almost 12 years now, and he still kneads on me at night. If she does it for prolonged periods of time, begin pushing her gently away to discourage the habit. She just misses her mommy most likely and your the closest thing she has now.
2006-06-21 11:22:59 · answer #3 · answered by bibliophile_1976 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to anyone who tells you that this is a bad sign. Kittens knead their mothers when they are milking, and a lot of the time, this behavior is retained in adulthood. Many adult cats will knead a pillow or a soft tummy to show that they are happy. It's a sign of affection! Sometimes my kitties will poke me with their claws while kneading, but I just gently grab their paw and pull it off of me, saying "Ouch!" After that they usually are cautious and try not to use their claws. When your kittie kneads your stomach, return the favor and rub his belly (or something that he likes... not all cats like belly-rubbing).
2006-06-21 11:41:51 · answer #4 · answered by lizwatson109 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's comfort behavior. Did you ever watch her with her Mom? When they nurse, they knead Moms belly. They will continue to do this after weaning if Mom allows it. It's kind of like you putting your head in your Moms lap, or on her shoulder, even when you're an adult. Since she was pretty old when she lost her Mom, she had developed the habit. You're her Mom now, so she does it to you.
2006-06-21 11:23:10 · answer #5 · answered by Bartmooby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the same movement they make when they are nursing from their mothers. The kneading helps the flow of milk. So, she's just making herself feel secure and safe. It relaxes her.
2006-06-21 11:41:51 · answer #6 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kneading is nothing to worry about. It's a comforting reaction. Shows she is happy.
2006-06-21 11:21:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat does this too, but eventually she stops and settles down for the night. Usually it's just to say they want attention. Mother cats tend to groom their kittens before they fall asleep, so she's probably wanted you to love on her a bit. I cuddle my cat a little and she nods right off. Good luck!
2006-06-21 11:21:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your cat needs to learn that you are a human and you are not it mother. when you cat does this stop her. tell her no. you may see your cat be angry with you after a little while but just pets her and make sure she had food and water ever day and she will get over it. i had a cat like that before and my mother i a cat breeder so my advise is good
2006-06-21 11:29:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat is a male and does the same thing. Usually, it is because they have been weened too young, and (as crazy as it may sound) miss their mother and familiarize you to that role.
2006-06-21 11:24:23 · answer #10 · answered by Biffy D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋