Each cat It’s a world. Like each person, each dog… Each one has its own personalitybut the truth is that it is quite common among them knead whatever comes their way, from a fluffy blanket to the legs of their human friends.
It is very curious to see how they support their front legs outstretched and extend and contract them one by one, like a baker molding a ball of dough. Logically, this has nothing to do with food or masses. In reality, when cats do this they are showing satisfaction or an affective bond, either with humans or with other cats.
Of course, if they do it compulsively, it can also be a problem, so it is important to know how to differentiate it. They have recently explained it in an article for The Conversation Susan Hazel and Julia HenningProfessor and PhD Candidate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Adelaide.
Why do cats love to knead?
According to these researchers, cats’ hobby of kneading begins when they are puppies. Then they dedicate themselves to knead their mothers for two very specific purposes.
On the one hand, stimulation promotes oxytocin release. This is a hormone that is also secreted in humans and has multiple functions. For example, it segregates during the delivery to promote contractions. But also afterwards he intervenes in the mother-child attachment. In fact, it is known as the love hormone for its role in the development of affective bonds, also with respect to the couple.
However, in the case of cats, the oxytocin released by kneading has yet another function: stimulate milk production. They do this while stimulating their mothers’ attachment to them, so it’s a win win.
On the other hand, cats have glands on their paw pads that release pheromones during kneading that are responsible for further strengthening the bond with their mothers. This occurs in both males and females. But, in addition, the females have around the breasts other glands that release pheromones related to affective bonds. Thus, the link becomes totally reciprocal.
All this is very useful to them when they are puppies, but it is maintained when they are adults. And it is thought that if it is maintained it is precisely because it is beneficial for them.
In the same way that oxytocin does not only create bonds between mothers and children, the pheromones that are released when kneading help them to interact and communicate with other cats. But also with humans. In fact, some go to great lengths to knead the legs of their housemates.
don’t scold them
In the article for The Conversationits two authors recommend that people who live with cats do not scold them if they tend to knead their legs. It is true that it can be uncomfortable at times, but thick blankets can always be used to put on top and protect the skin. Also, it is possible to train thempetting them and giving them a reward when they do it without hardly using the nail.
At most, we must take them to the vet if we see that they begin to knead in a way obsessive. They can do it occasionally on a blanket or cushion, simply because it makes them feel good. And with us to show affection. But if they do it insistently and even damage their legs, it’s time to consult a professional.
For the rest, scolding them when they knead on us can be very confusing, since we have seen that they use it to show affection. Would we repeatedly treat with contempt and push away a person who showed us their love and affection for them? Well, there are those who do. But at least it shouldn’t be the usual. And if we don’t do it between humans, we shouldn’t do it to our cat either.