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Cat behavior kneading

cat kneading pillow image

All about cat behavior kneading. When your cat jumps up onto the couch or your lap or any area that it plans to make themselves comfortable in.

Before settling down, it is very likely they will begin to knead the area with a slow rhythmic pushing of the paws accompanied by the spreading open and then closing of the front paws and fingers or toes. (complex kneading movement) In some parts of the world this is called paddling and purring.

In my house this cat behavior is called making bread, because it seems if the kitty cat is kneading dough preparing it for the oven. This cat Behavior is often accompanied by soft purring. This is also a sign that your cat is about to settle down for a while in a comfortable location.

What cat behavior kneading means

kittens kneading mother cat image This procedure is actually a reminder of kitten hood. From the age of three weeks until weaning kittens spend a lot of their time kneading and purring around their mothers milk supplying nipples.

Kittens learn very quickly that the movement of their paws on either side of the nipple stimulates and increases the milk flow.

A soft and warm or comfortable area, whether it be our laps or the favorite cushion on the couch seems to bring out this kittenish behavior in cats. Although the above is the most common reason that you will notice this cat behavior kneading. There is another answer to this question as well.

For adult female cats coming into or approaching heat, may also exhibit this very same kneading cat behavior.

To test your adult female cat to see if she is having or approaching heat, stroke or pat her along the back towards the tail. If she is, she will elevate her rump and get into the mating position.

If you do the same to your cat while they are kneading on a couch cushion or on your lap, you will elicit a similar response. A female adult cat approaching heat will be very friendly and will rub around with her head or neck often.

Cat behavior kneading summed up

This paddling or kneading cat behavior towards us can be viewed as part juvenile or part sexual. But in either case it clearly means affection for their human owners and happiness with their surrounding environment.

A feline that is unhappy or under stress will not perform this paw pushing activity. So consider it a compliment to you for providing a healthy well balanced environment and a very happy home for your feline friends.

Famous cat quote: "No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his or her fur from your couch."- Leo Dworken

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For more cute pictures and images of cat behavior kneading visit flickr


Cats can perform some strange activities as a part of there daily routine. This next link takes you back to the main feline behavior page that discusses several. view more articles and story's about your cats behavior


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