Cats Nursing: When and Why They踩奶

The cat's kneading behavior is a habit developed from its early days. When kittens nurse, they gently press their front paws against their mother's breasts to stimulate milk flow. This action brings them immense comfort and satisfaction. Even after weaning, kittens sometimes yearn for the nurturing presence of their mother, leading them to continue this behavior, almost as a form of expression.

Adult cats may exhibit kneading in several situations:

When Hungry: Cats may knead when they're hungry, a leftover from their kitten days when they used this motion to encourage milk production. This behavior is rooted in their innate desire for food and can be a way for cats to signal their hunger to their owners, asking for a meal.

When Happy: Cats often knead when they're content or joyful. This action is a sign of their happiness and can indicate that they feel secure and loved by their owners. Cats may also be triggered to knead by the touch of soft items, such as pillows, blankets, or comfortable sofas, which can evoke the same comfort as nursing from their mother.

During Estrus: Cats may knead when they're in heat, a selfsoothing behavior that can help alleviate discomfort and anxiety. It's important for owners not to feel embarrassed and to allow this natural behavior. If a cat is in heat, it may be beneficial to consider spaying or neutering, as it can reduce estrusrelated behaviors, make the cat more docile, and decrease the risk of reproductive health issues, potentially extending the cat's lifespan.

Missing Their Mother: Sometimes, cats may miss the comfort of nursing from their mother and may knead without any apparent reason, often accompanied by purring. This is a reminder of the kitten's early days and the bond with their mother.

Overall, when cats knead, they are generally in a good mood. It's best not to interrupt this behavior, as it can harm the bond between the cat and its owner. During these moments, petting the cat's head and neck can be very soothing, mimicking the feeling of the mother's tongue and strengthening the cat's affection and trust. If a cat frequently kneads, it's advisable to keep their claws trimmed to prevent damage to clothing or skin.