Re:Why Do Cats Knead?
by rhaway84773 on Friday June 09, 2023 @11:45AM
(#36259580)
> she is pleased her bed is in bed
ISWYDT
Re:Why Do Cats Knead?
by philipkglass on Friday June 09, 2023 @11:52AM
(#36259701)
The explanation I always heard was that they were removed from their mother too soon, and I stopped buying that explanation several years ago.
Interesting. I've never heard that explanation. It doesn't line up with my experience either. In 2007 I took in a stray cat I found wandering in a parking lot. She was pregnant and gave birth to 5 kittens. She died a few years ago but I kept her with her offspring for her whole life. Her descendants knead as much as she did.
I have heard the same explanation. And first time I heard it was pre-internet era in non English speaking country, so it must be somewhat common believe.
I have 3 cats still living with their mother and they all do it. She had a strong maternal instinct, but lost it once they grew up, and now she hates all of them, which is apparently the expected behaviour.
Re:Why Do Cats Knead?
by freedomben on Friday June 09, 2023 @01:05PM
(#36260790)
Our cat was older and once the kittens got into a phase of "play hard, play always" I think it annoyed her to the point of madness :-)
Re:Why Do Cats Knead?
by bastardoperator on Friday June 09, 2023 @02:54PM
(#36262364)
I have an elderly cat that is fine with dogs, but can't stand the other 2 much younger and stronger cats.
I think some human mothers probably go through that.
Re:Why Do Cats Knead?
by Espressosaurus on Friday June 09, 2023 @12:12PM
(#36260012)
Cats suckling on things (usually wool shirts or blankets) into adulthood is a sign they were removed from their mother too soon, but I've never heard that about kneading. I just assumed it was normal for a cat that's happy, safe, and comfortable.
I don’t know about every cat I’ve ever had, but my youngest currently? I think there’s two reasons she does it: 1. To announce her presence on top of me and make it known she is pleased her bed is in bed and 2. To make the spot more comfortable, like how we fluff our pillows or smooth out our bedspreads or whatever. She’s making the spot hers.
I mean it is an action that can also deposit their scent, but uh, in my experience my cats have never respected that marker if they don’t want to.