Why do cats often do kneading dough?

There is no exact answer as to why cats often act as kneading dough on soft surfaces, but this may be due to their instincts, maybe they are marking territory, creating a comfortable place. roof to sleep, or may also be showing affection.

For cat lovers, the list of adorable qualities and their oddities can be extremely long, but there are a few characteristics that are more prominent than the rest, like the "kneading" habit. When a cat gently approaches you, climbs on your lap, and begins to slowly rub and rub down your feet with your front paws, it's hard to stop laughing. This behavior, which occurs in almost every domestic cat, is often called "making a cookie" or "kneading the dough" because it's similar to your cat making a bread.

From an early age, kneading has been a part of the cat's daily routine.

Some cats "knead" softly, in a controlled manner, maybe just bending their paws on a soft surface; other cats raised their paws up and down, almost like they were marching. It's a hilarious behavior, and many cat owners wonder where this strange behavior comes from? In fact, the "cat study" experts have not yet come to the final conclusion, but there are a few quite reasonable theories.

Origin of "kneading" dough behavior

From a young age, kneading has been a part of your cat's daily routine. Even when she was born, with her eyes still closed, the kitten instinctively started to "knead" the area around its mother's nipple. The researchers say this behavior stimulates milk flow, which is crucial for the survival and development of kittens. However, this behavior exists throughout the life of a cat. Considering that cats form this habit early on, some experts believe that " kneading" is simply a remnant of the cat's behavior, one of its most primitive instincts, never turning. lost.

When you see an adult cat "kneading" on a pillow, blanket, or thigh, it is often accompanied by an unmistakably satisfying sound - the lazy whine when The cat pushed his paws back and forth on the surface. The link between "kneading" and a relaxed and happy expression when being near the mother cat could explain why cats enjoy this repetitive action. In fact, some cats even scratch or bite at the surface they are "kneading", similar to what they do to their mother.

Another plausible explanation for this behavior involves the species of lions, tigers, and feral cats in the past. When these animals find a safe place to sleep and shelter, they will press grass patches into the ground to create a comfortable place for themselves. This is necessary behavior to keep away from predators and ensure the area is safe enough for sleep, or perhaps for childbirth; Today, cats still tend to "knead" on comfortable surfaces, like blankets or pillows, but you rarely see them "kneading" on flat or vacant grounds.

In addition, there is an opinion that "kneading" is the act of marking the territory of cats . Leaving traces or tampering with an area is one way for cats to claim it's their area, while the scent on the cat's paws will leave a clear signal to other cats that the area had owner. We cannot smell these specific scents, but it is a strong deterrent to other animals, acting as a tool of comfort and safety for cats. in its "castle" .

A sign of love

Cat lovers will probably prefer this last explanation, as it confirms that cats love their owners as much as they love them."Kneading" is usually done on the mother's body, on pillows, quilts, or other soft surfaces that cats feel will help them sleep. However, if your cat has a habit of "kneading" on your body (for example, waist, thighs, legs, chest, etc.), it is a sign that it is very comfortable to be with you and has a cold. It feels like being around you like mom says.

Kneading the dough "is completely natural behavior and gives cats comfort and joy.

The reverse of "kneading the dough"

Some cat owners feel nervous when their cats begin to "knead" , because it may look like the actions of a cat in its pretty little box - but actually So, they are very different behaviors. "Kneading" is a completely natural behavior and gives cats comfort and joy. If your cat does not have toenails and starts enthusiastically "doughing" on a sofa, pillow, or blanket, it can cause some damage to the items. Apart from that, the "kneading" action has almost no downside.

In such cases, you can trim the cat's toenails, or train him to "knead the dough" in designated areas. When your cat starts "kneading" on a surface you don't want to be scratched, gently pick him up to the "kneading" area , perhaps enticing them with a dish, for example. they form a connection between a new place and a favorite activity and a rewarding reward.

Similarly, some cats are extremely excited about "kneading" on their owners, but if they're too excited, you might get hurt. Gently petting your cat, or placing a thick towel or blanket around your thigh, is another simple way to get close to your cat without any inconvenience.

Conclusion

Just like humans we never want the same things, every cat doesn't "knead" in the same way. Some will stomp their feet on blankets every day, while others may occasionally "knead" the dough around your waist when they're feeling affectionate. We may not know exactly why cats do this behavior, but as mentioned above, there are a variety of good reasons that may partly explain that. So, the next time your cat tries to make biscuits on your lap, keep in mind that he might just want to show some love, because in their thinking, you are the place that gives you the feeling. Comfortable and safe feeling!

1. Why tape up a circle and cats will obediently sit in?
2. Cats are not heartless, on the contrary, they are more affectionate than humans