When your cat kneads you with its paws ... it is reliving
happy kittenhood memories.
Newborns and very young kittens use the kneading motion when
nursing at their mother's side. This massaging movement has
a purpose - it encourages the mother's milk to flow quickly
to the kittens.
This cat behavior is an expression of pure contentment.
When your grown up cat is kneading it is once again a baby
cat under the protective, loving care of its nursing mother.
Although you have no fur or tail, you do care for and feed
your cat, your lap is warm ... and for the moment, you'll
do nicely as a much loved, substitute mother cat.
Cats usually purr when they knead. If your cat is drooling
his mouth is simply watering, as it did as a kitten when hungry
and ready to nurse ... and just as we sometimes do, when we
smell a good meal cooking.
A prickly problem does arise if your cat
chooses to knead on you. Although unintentional on your cat's
part, it hurts when a cat is digging its claws into your legs.
Extending the claws seems to occur naturally when kneading.
I have noticed one of my cats make an effort to keep his claws
tucked into his paws ... without much success.
Your cat means you no harm, but rather is paying
you the highest of compliments by allowing you to
be the soft spot where it kneads its paws. You can protect
yourself by simply putting a pillow or thick blanket between
you and your cat.
That way you'll both be happy cats.
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Why do cats knead ...
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