4 ms·
The explanation I always heard was that they were removed from their mother too soon, and I stopped buying that explanation several years ago. I don’t know abo
by SllX 3y ago
The explanation I always heard was that they were removed from their mother too soon, and I stopped buying that explanation several years ago.
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.
- rhaway84773 3y ago> she is pleased her bed is in bed ISWYDT
- philipkglass 3y agoThe 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.
- mcraiha 3y agoI 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.
- fathyb 3y agoI 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.
- freedomben 3y agoOur 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 :-)
- bastardoperator 3y agoI have an elderly cat that is fine with dogs, but can't stand the other 2 much younger and stronger cats.
- asveikau 3y agoI think some human mothers probably go through that.
- Espressosaurus 3y agoCats 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.
- nly 3y agoI think your making the spot comfortable explanation is very compelling.