my cat does this all the time! lol, it's adorable, but i want to know why he does it.
2006-10-30 18:21:18 · 8 answers · asked by User Name 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
What all those people said "yada yada yada milk" and "yada yada yada good".
It's all very true.
The only thing I have too add here is that cats (unlike dogs or people) are preprogramed from birth via their DNA for a lot of thier behaviors. They have too be a lot more self reliant so behaviors like that stick more solidly. If you compare cats and people... people are born with the impulse too bond with mommy and suck on things. Not a whole lot else.
Kitties are born knowing that they shold knead mommy too get a propper feed and that if they want too avoid getting eaten by the resident male they should hide thier poop and that killing things is a good idea. The list goes on.
As the kitty buddy matures these pre programmed things blend too mix with thier new behaviors that they have learned. The recollection that "mommy was nice an cofortin" mixes with the "this guy is nice too sleep on". Thus... kitty buddy kneads on you.
Kitty buddy knows that a feed isn't coming but resolves the "why I'm so comfortable" issue by kneading.
I hope this answers the question somewhat in your mind.
2006-10-30 20:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by refresherdownunder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's said that it's an instinctual thing that kittens do when they "knead" the area around the mother cat's nipples to stimulate the production of milk. It just seems to be a practice that continues on as the kitten gets to the age of a mature cat.
2006-10-31 02:28:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jolly 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, obviously, they kneed their paws to kwalk with.
...just kidding! :)
Actually, cats knead because it was what they used to do as kittens while nursing. It stimulates milk production in the mom cat; and it's associated with mom-kitten bonding. If your cat kneads on you, it is seeing you as its surrogate mother.
Kneading is a harmless activity, as you surmised, and definitely cute. It's more common in kittens who left their moms too early, but any cat can do it.
If your cat's claws come out while he kneads, grab a nearby towel or blanket and put it under his paws. That should stop his claws from pricking you.
2006-10-31 02:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by lisa450 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it goes back to when they were kittens they did it to their mothers tummy so the milk would flow they look so cute when you watch them doing it and the mother lays there purring away with a happy expression on her face I have 4 cats they all do it... it only hurts when they get carried away and dig their claws into my leg but i just say NO and they do it more gently never hit a cat for doing this
2006-10-31 03:14:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told in an older cat they knead their paws to make their bed.
2006-10-31 02:32:27 · answer #5 · answered by Brandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when cats are at home they will not use theys paws for hunting. hence to keep the practice up they do it. its natural i beleive.
2006-10-31 02:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by Trinity 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To protect themselves from their enemies like you.I meant you because if you trouble them they'll attack you.
2006-10-31 05:42:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat does that too sometimes, i think she is fliping me off... =/
2006-10-31 02:23:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋