Cats' Foot Tapping: Is It Purring or Milk Seeking?
Have you cat lovers ever noticed that your feline friends sometimes engage in a rhythmic, alternating paw movement, where they press down and up in a repetitive pattern on a particular spot, often accompanied by content purrs? This behavior, which can last for a while, is known as "kneading" or "nursing behavior."
What does a cat knead on? It could be anything soft and fluffy, like a blanket, a pillow, or even the belly or thigh of their human companion. Many people who aren't familiar with this cat behavior might initially be puzzled: What's he doing? Is he upset? Does he not like me touching him? But rest assured, this is actually a sign of your cat's affection.
When do cats knead?
In a state of comfort and safety
Cats knead as a result of an instinctive behavior they develop from a young age. When kittens are still blind and nursing, they use their paws to stimulate their mother's nipples to encourage milk flow. This action becomes a habitual one as they nurse, and it also makes them feel secure and comfortable. So, whenever a cat feels a similar sense of safety and comfort, they may knead.
Feeling happy
When a cat is gently petted by their owner, they often feel a sense of happiness. The comforting memory of being cleaned by their mother can trigger the kneading behavior. In a cat's mind, kneading equals happiness and safety, and when your cat kneads on you, it's a sign of their contentment.
However, kittens that were not breastfed by their mother usually do not knead as adults. This is because they have no memory of the joy of suckling milk in their mother's embrace, and thus don't associate kneading with pleasure. This is why some cats, despite being very happy and content, may not knead.
Why do cats knead on their human companions?
When your cat kneads on you, it's important to keep your voice low to avoid startling them, as this could disrupt their mood and stop the kneading. You can gently stroke your cat's head and the back of their neck, mimicking the way a mother cat would lick her kitten, which will make them feel even more cherished.
Remember to avoid touching your cat's tail while they're kneading, as this could discourage them from kneading in the future. And don't forget to regularly trim your cat's claws; otherwise, a kneading session could turn into a painful experience for you!
