Unlocking the Mystery: Why Cats 'Milk' Their Beds!
Cats often exhibit a behavior known as kneading, a practice that cat owners are all too familiar with. Sometimes, the overwhelming affection from their feline companions can be quite overwhelming. Cats typically knead when they are comfortable and expressing their love, but some owners might not appreciate this behavior. It's crucial to remember that cats should never be scolded for this action, as it could harm the bond between you and your pet. Let's delve deeper into the kneading behavior of cats.
Why Do Cats Knead?
Cats knead as a result of a habit they develop from a young age. When they are kittens, they knead their mother's breasts while nursing to stimulate milk flow. This action also keeps them close to their mother's soft, warm belly, providing them with a sense of comfort. Over time, this behavior becomes a ingrained habit in cats.
Additionally, kneading serves an evolutionary advantage as it acts as a form of tactile and pheromonal communication between kittens and their mothers. Cats have scent glands on their paw pads that release pheromones during kneading. These pheromones convey a range of information, including affection, identity, and health status. One particular type of pheromone, known as the "calming pheromone," is released from the mother's mammary glands and helps in bonding and soothing the kittens. This pheromone can also help to mitigate aggressive behavior in adult cats.
Some might wonder why adult cats continue to knead, even though they no longer need to stimulate milk supply. This is due to the kittenlike traits that cats retain into adulthood. These behaviors help cats communicate and convey messages.
When cats knead on their owners, it often indicates that they feel very comfortable and secure with them. This behavior can also be seen as a way for cats to express their affection. Cats are also known to rub against soft blankets or suck on them, which is another sign of relaxation or comfort.
When a cat kneads on you, it's best to remain calm and avoid loud noises that could disrupt their contentment. Also, refrain from touching the cat's tail. Instead, gently stroke their head and neck to foster a sense of trust and affection.
However, some cat owners may not enjoy being kneaded or may need to discourage this behavior for certain reasons. In such cases, it's important not to be rough or scold the cat, as this could damage the relationship. If you wish to discourage kneading, you can cover the area with a thick blanket or gently guide the cat away, ensuring they don't feel rejected.
In summary, if a cat kneads on you, it's a sign of their affection. Not all cats will knead, so owners should be mindful not to misinterpret this behavior.
