2006-07-13 11:27:14 · 12 answers · asked by somebody 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
When cats 'make bread' this way, they are reverting to ktten behavior they used on Momcat's belly while nursing, to get her teats to let down more milk. Some never do stop the kneading behavior after weaning and into adulthood, because it appears to be a source of comfort for them. They show their pleasure with us, their 'humans', by doing it on us, on our belongings, on anything around them which makes them feel loved and secure. And, they purr up a storm while they're at it, too.
2006-07-13 12:23:52 · answer #1 · answered by no1kn0smi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
people often wean kittens WAY to soon, (6 weeks like puppies) however kittens need longer with mother to mature properly. 8-12 weeks is best. THe kneading and or sucking on you is called infantile behavior and is likely a sign that the cat was weaned alittle early. there is no harm and nothing you can do about it except to use a squirt bottle if you dont want it to do it
2006-07-13 11:39:26 · answer #2 · answered by morganpony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is a great question -- something I've wondered about myself. you mean like "kneading" a blanket or something soft that they want to lie on? it's almost like they're trying to soften it up or make it more comfortable. It's very cute and I'm wondering if it differs between male and female cats (I've only seen it done by female cats.) Perhaps has to do with a maternal instinct -- massaging the kittens?
2006-07-13 11:32:01 · answer #3 · answered by ♪ ♫ ☮ NYbron ☮ ♪ ♫ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason is because they did it to their momma to help her milk come down. Other animals do this as well in different ways, horses cows, goats jerk their heads up quickly on thier mommas. But since you are now the one that nurtures your cat, they do it when they are comfortable and feel lovey like they did with mom. Its kind of like purring, its a comfot thing :)
2006-07-13 16:26:12 · answer #4 · answered by The Kings 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a comfort thing. I also think it';s a texture thing. Think about it. Cats rub their paws across rugs, they kneed with them, they rub furniture. My cat loves it when I rub the bottom of his paws very lightly with my finger. I think they do it because it feels good.
2006-07-14 21:01:08 · answer #5 · answered by BONNI 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a happy, comfortable, reflex from memories of nursing and being close to mom cat.
2006-07-13 11:32:57 · answer #6 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it,s a thing the did when they were nursing off their mothers when they were kittens, it,s comforting to them, I think it kinda sticks with them,my cats almost 6 & she still does that.
2006-07-13 11:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a comfort/happy response. Think of when they were babies.. when kittens nurse they do the same thing on their mothers stomachs.
2006-07-13 11:31:07 · answer #8 · answered by CG234 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats are natural born bread makers--it's a genetic intstinct. my cat makes the best olive focaccia-- if you don't mind the rat tails of course.
2006-07-13 11:32:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a physiological thing. It relaxes them, if you notice they are probably purring while they do that or bit down on something as well.
2006-07-13 11:32:46 · answer #10 · answered by mageta8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋