HI, I jsut got a cat for the first time, he is super sweet. I noticed a behavior, i guess it is called "kneading" and he does it ALL the time to me, and when i goto bed he does it to my pillows. he is purring while he does this, i was jsut wondering if this is normal?? I dont know alot about cats at all.
It's nothing abnormal.
However, there are several theories behind it:
Some say it's because they were weaned too early or
weaned too late.
Some think it's just a pleasant memory for the cat of being an infant and feeding from it's mother that they retain.
Some think it's the cat trying to make a area more comfy.
I think all can apply but, it depends on the cat.
However, normally when a cat is kneading they are displaying happiness. So, don't worry about it.
If a cat is kneading you, some say it's a sign of affection...some might even say the cat sees you as a resemblance to it's mother if it's kneading you.
I guess it's for you to decide what theory you believe in and which you don't.
I highly doubt a cat will break it's paw from kneading. I've also never even heard of a cat hurting itself from kneading. Don't worry about it. Trying to break a cat from doing something that gives it pleasure or psychological comfort could probably result in behavioral issues/change...so, don't listen to the person who said you need to break them of the habit.
However, there are several theories behind it:
Some say it's because they were weaned too early or
weaned too late.
Some think it's just a pleasant memory for the cat of being an infant and feeding from it's mother that they retain.
Some think it's the cat trying to make a area more comfy.
I think all can apply but, it depends on the cat.
However, normally when a cat is kneading they are displaying happiness. So, don't worry about it.
If a cat is kneading you, some say it's a sign of affection...some might even say the cat sees you as a resemblance to it's mother if it's kneading you.
I guess it's for you to decide what theory you believe in and which you don't.
I highly doubt a cat will break it's paw from kneading. I've also never even heard of a cat hurting itself from kneading. Don't worry about it. Trying to break a cat from doing something that gives it pleasure or psychological comfort could probably result in behavioral issues/change...so, don't listen to the person who said you need to break them of the habit.
It's normal for a cat to do it. When kittens are suckling, they knead to help the milk flow from their mother's mammary glands. If weened too early, they can pick up the habit of kneading when they are happy.
If this is a problem for you, I suggest cutting his nails, and keeping them that way, to reduce any damage that he may cause (and to reduce the damage of him scratching you, or to stop his nails from getting caught). Or you may put a towel, or a blanket, over anything that you want to protect.
If this is a problem for you, I suggest cutting his nails, and keeping them that way, to reduce any damage that he may cause (and to reduce the damage of him scratching you, or to stop his nails from getting caught). Or you may put a towel, or a blanket, over anything that you want to protect.
I've had cats my whole life. There are a lot of different theories as to why they do it. In my personal experience, it's usually done when they're happy or comfortable. One of my cats does it rarely, usually when she's warm, happy, and about to fall asleep. The other cat only does it on one particular blanket, and that's all.
Like almost everyone said it is totally normal and will not hurt your cat. My cat neads more than anyother cat I've ever seen infact you can't pet him with out him neading. I think it's cute and shows he's content. My sister jokes it's like he's petting you back lol. We just have to keep his nails trimmed otherwise it can be a little uncompfortable. He is a rescue like yours so enjoy your new friend.
this is a VERY, nice and normal cat behaviour. they are expresssing their love for you, as they did when they kneaded their mom's teats to express milk.... it is a sign of affection, whoever said they would break their paw must have an osteoporotic cat...
first of all, someone said it can break its paws!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO! are you serious?! it is a very normal behavior in cats, everytime i sit on my bed and pet my cat she does it to me. but i promise you they will not break their paws from it ROFL
Cats knead when they are very happy. It's usually accompanied by purring and it's a sign that they are content. It's a good thing and very normal.
Be glad your cat isn't nuzzeling. Makes the bed covers all wet.
you can't let the cat do that it is a bad habit he or she can probably break it's paws from it