Why do cats do that thing where they shift their weight from front paw to front paw?

Question

You know, the thing where it looks like their massaging something or kneading dough. Why do they do that?! It's so funny to look at.

Answer 1

Besides the nursing reflex, they're fluffing up a bed to improve its softness and insulation qualities, putting more trapped air down there to help keep them warmer at night.

Answer 2

Actually this is really called "kneading" or "Makin'bread", but I think it's really cute---my cat will give me massages every once in a while. Most cats do this, but the ones who do it excessively, it is said that this is caused by removing the cat (weaning it) from their mother too soon. When the kittens are nursing, they use these front paws to push on the mommy cats teats to make the milk come out, and it just continues into adulthood. Some grow out of it--most don't.

Answer 3

kneading- that's what it's called. Cats often use this action alongside purring to show contentment and affection for their guardians or other times it can be when the cat is in pain or dying it is said to be a way of comforting itself. In the vernacular this action is often referred to as paddy-pawing, happy feet, or treading paws. It is instinctive to cats, which use it when they are young to stimulate the mother cat's breast to release milk during nursing. As a result, cats hand-raised by humans may lack this reflex. Pawing is also a way for cats to mark their territory. The scent glands on the underside of their paws release small amounts of scent onto the person or object being pawed, marking it as "theirs" in the same way they would urinate to mark their territory.

Answer 4

Goes back to when they were kittens and kneaded their mothers to get milk. They continue that well into adulthood. It's a sign of affection and actually the biggest compliment a human can get from a cat.

Answer 5

It's an instinct from kitten-hood...kittens have to knead on their mother's belly to get her milk flowing. After they grow a bit, it seems to be just a comfort instinct. Mine always do it when they are getting comfortable laying in my lap.

Answer 6

They start doing this as kittens to help the milk come out when they nurse. They do it with when they're feeling relaxed or needy, kind of like when children such their thumbs (also a hold-over from nursing).

Answer 7

It's first used when they're breastfeeding kittens (human babies do it, too), and again when they're older, when they stretch. They usually do it before or after a nap or repose. Humans, again, share a similar behavior (stretching).

Answer 8

They're "nesting." Trying to make what ever's underneath them smooth so they can lie down comfortably. I think most cats do it.

Answer 9

They do that to their mum when they are breastfeeding, to help the milk flow. When they grow up, the movement remains when they feel very tender, like they were with their mummy.

Answer 10

when they are doing that,. they are usually stretching. Since they walk alot and have small feet, a lot of pressure gets put oin their ankles.( They also do it because they love you! )