How does buttering a cats paws work?

Question

I know that it's something that you do if you move house to prevent the cat from going walk abouts and not coming back, but how/why does it work?

Answer 1

Noooooooo!

Sorry, but my Nan used to butter her cat's (my cat's brother) paws, and he was hideously overweight. He died age 12 from a tumour. It drove me insane that she used to do this - she'd say 'he loves his butter!' No duh. Cats would lick motor oil off their paws if you put it on there - they're clean animals and don't like stuff on their paws! This is the same woman who once tried to pick his dew claw off because she thought it was a tick.

Right, finished venting. Yes, the paw buttering works as the first poster described - but there are other, healthier ways of getting a cat to settle into his new home! Just keep him in and give him some privacy, somewhere to hide and access to food, water and a litter tray. After a few weeks he will know where his home is and it will be safe to start letting him out.

The paw buttering does not work in general to stop cats roaming - giving them a good home and getting them neutered will stop them roaming.

Chalice

Answer 2

I dont know that it is right to say this doesn't work - I think it may in some cases. Again - because the cat is involved in the act of grooming. I have also heard it said that the oil in the butter leaves the cats scent for longer on the place it has walked. However - in my opinion - I leave my cats to find themselves a comfy position by an upstairs window. Yes - they can see the lie of the land and yes they do take it in and it does give them an idea of where they are in reference to certain landmarks ....... trees, gates, posts, doors etc.etc.
7 house moves and the same three cats later - it works!

Answer 3

Cats groom themselves when they are relaxed and happy. If you put butter on a cats paws it is forced to groom itself and so supposedly accept its new environment as its home. This also releases 'happy hormones' called endorphines.
However, I think it is a load of rubbish. My cat would be horrified it I made him deliberately dirty and it would only add to the stress of moving house.
Instead, just keep the cat in for a few days and let it explore at its own place. If your cat has a history of wandering off you'll need to keep it in for longer and only let it out just before dinner time to ensure it stays close because it is hungry. If your cat is a sensible character, the area is quiet, and it seems to be happy with its new environment then you don't have to be so restrictive.
Play it by ear - you know your cat best and will make the right judgement.

Answer 4

We recently moved house and our cat adjusted very well, we had a litter tray in the house for a few days, then one day we let her outside and she was gone for a few hours and came back, now she's fine going around the neighbourhood and knows where to come back. She did not like the carrier though, so put some sort of dry food in there, and a towel incase they wee or poo. And she had a little panic running around the house, but then was just relaxed on the first day. Good luck! and happy moving! Oh, and butter is not a good idea, that will just distress the cat more.

Answer 5

its an old wives tale, and unless you are an old wife, i wouldnt even think of using it.

I have moved 3 times in 18 months, and have 2 cats..

when we move, we make sure the garden has familiar smells from plant pots etc,and only let them out acompanied.. briefly at first, when they are hungry, and tempt them back in with a few treats.. the reward system works a treat!

we usually keep our cats in for 2 days, not a week....
its worked for us ... and have never buttered a cats paw EVER!
Tho, my nan used to put butter on a bruise?!!

Answer 6

In essence you're just distracting the cat by giving them something to do and in the meantime they get used to their new surroundings. They groom where they are confortable, and this kinda forces the issue. They won't wait, they'll lick it off, all the while their surroundings are less scary and new, and when they are finished, half the familiarisation is done.

Answer 7

Ive had cats for over 40 years and ive never ever heard of this. it doesnt sound good to me i think the cat would not be able to walk anywhere.. as he would be sliding all over the place and all kinds of things would stick to his feet.. doesnt make anysense to me.. just keep your cat in the house. .and you dont have to worry about him not coming back...

Answer 8

It doesn't!

As Chalice has said, just keep them in for a few days. I've moved house loads of times with my cats, and that's what I've always done.

Answer 9

i have never heard of this