Why is My Cat Kneading on Me?
If you’ve ever wondered why your cat keeps kneading on you, then you aren’t the only one! Hundreds of millions of cats do it, and the reasons can vary. It may be an instinctual behavior for your cat, a way to soothe discomfort or stimulate its mother’s milk. Or it could be a way for your feline to communicate that it’s ready for mating. No matter what the reason, it’s probably a good thing to know.
It’s a form of self-soothing
The act of kneading is a healthy activity for cats, but they can also go overboard. Similar to cats’ scratching instincts, kneading on us can indicate stress and discomfort, and is often a way to mark territory. Keep claws trimmed, or place a thick blanket on your lap to prevent your cat from using its claws to scratch you.
When your cat kneads on you, it is a way of soothing itself. Cats use kneading to mark their territory and comfort themselves. While they may be rough with you, they are generally very loving and affectionate. You may be able to keep them seated for commercials by making the blankets thicker and using a more thick one.
It stimulates mother cat’s milk
Despite the fact that it is the suckling of kittens that stimulates mother cat to produce milk, there are other factors that affect the production of this milk. Firstly, the mother cat needs four times the amount of calories she usually gets. Her diet needs to include the correct balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. If she isn’t getting enough of any of these elements, her milk production will be compromised.
Another reason why mother cats don’t produce milk is genetic. Some of them may be born without the ability to lactate, so their mother will have to artificially feed them. In some cases, mother cats don’t even realize they aren’t lactating. Nevertheless, there are treatments available for these problems. In some cases, a cat may not be able to produce milk due to a certain disease, and this can lead to a difficult situation for the kittens.
It helps communicate that female cats are ready to mate
Felines are seasonal breeders and breeding starts in the spring when the days are longer and ends in the late fall when the days are shorter. Litters are typically born in April, May, and September. Female cats communicate that they are in heat by raising their hindquarters. You may be able to detect the signs by patting the cat’s back and watching her rump. She may also twitch her tail and start making more noise than normal.
During mating season, unspayed female cats are most likely to enter the first heat at four months of age. Queen cats may enter multiple times during breeding season, which is generally February through October for indoor cats. Queen cats display their mating behaviors, including yowling and grooming themselves profusely during alone time. They may also exhibit other behavior, including aggressive breeding. While mating season is not an immediate concern, a cat that is displaying signs of sexual readiness should be isolated.
It soothes discomfort
Is your cat kneading on you? Is it simply because he likes you? You’re not the only one! Cats knead for various reasons, from comfort to satisfaction, and it can be a huge compliment. If your cat is kneading on you, here are a few things to remember.
Keep in mind that kneading is a natural behavior for cats, and if you punish your cat for it, you’ll be reinforcing their bad behavior and possibly making them aggressive. Try to redirect your cat’s attention by playing with him or her. If the kneading continues, try adding a blanket to protect yourself from her claws.
