Why do cates like to puch down on pillows and while their on the bed also?

Question

Do i make sense? I always see cats push down with their 2 paws while they are on a bed or pillow or anythign they are about to lie on. why is that and what is the purpose?

But my friend had an older male cat that does this and my other friend has a 7 mth old male cat.

Answer 1

When a kitten is nursing, it typically kneads its paws against its mother, either as a sign of contentment or to encourage the milk flow. When the cat matures, it kneads to show its contentment and pleasure.

Answer 2

I think what you're talking about is when they "knead" a pillow or something soft, pushing it back and forth with their paws alternationg. When kittens are nursing from their moms, they do this to help the milk flow, sort of like you might squeeze a plastic bottle to get ketchup out. Some cats do this all of their lives; it means they feel safe and secure and happy, just like they did when they had mom to nuzzle.

Answer 3

In addition to the left-over instinct to stimulate their mother's nipples to produce milk, cats have an inherent biscuit-making ability. Together they can really spell disaster for your new clothing, can't they? Never de-claw -- it's like cutting off the first knuckle of each of your fingers! (I worked at a veterinary clinic, so I have seen it firsthand. It is horrible to witness -- seriously mutilating to the poor things. I remember one cat that began bashing its head against the wall, wailing in agony as its two front paws slid around on the floor of the enclosure. I had to gather him up out of there and hold and pet him, trying to comfort him. He was trembling and howling -- I'll never forget that poor guy. They wouldn't let me release the cat to the owners, because the bosses knew I would scream at and possibly attack the callous, short-sighted owners that ordered the cruel surgery.)

Answer 4

It's called "kneading", like when you knead dough when you make bread. It comes from kitten-hood. Kittens use they paws to knead on their mother's belly to stimulate lactation. It's a very comforting habit to them. In actuality, if a cat has been properly weaned from it's mother it will usually not carry this habit into adulthood. That is why you rarely see pedigreed cats (who are with their mothers for a full 12 weeks to ensure proper weaning) do this. I have 2 cats...a pedigreed Siamese and a rescued stray. My Siamese NEVER kneads. My alleycat does it all the time. Hope this answers your question.

Answer 5

It's (kneading) a self-comforting & calming activity for them. Initially, it is the same thing that kittens do on their mom's bellies, possibly stimulating milk production.

Answer 6

That's totally normal -- and CUTE!!!