Monday 13 April 2020

K is For Kneading



Kneading - or 'making biscuits' as it is sometimes known - is  uniquely feline behaviour. It is that thing they do when they push in and out with their paws, just like a baker kneading dough.

They always knead on a soft object like a cushion, a pile of laundry - or you! - and are usually contentedly purring as they carry out this rhythmic motion.

It is an instinctive action and is probably because as kittens they kneaded their mothers to stimulate the flow of milk. Cats find it comforting.

Another theory is that it goes back to the days when wild cats patted down tall vegetation like grass to make a soft bed to sleep on or to give birth.

Also, cats have scent glands in the soft pads on the bottoms of their paws. When they knead, some of their unique scent is released and serves as a territorial marker.
 So when your cat is kneading your lap, he’s not only telling you he feels comfortable and secure, but he’s claiming you as his own.


My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com 

*     *     *     *     *     *    *
If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.


            





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10 comments:

  1. awww I love it when our kitties use us as a kneading surface! Have a lovely day! See you tomorrow!

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    Replies
    1. That's Purrfect13 April 2020 at 22:23

      Look forward my visits to your blog!

      Delete
  2. Jezebel, our one remaining geriatric cat, seldom kneads but will reach out and rest one paw on me sometimes. It's really sweet. ~grin~ Stay safe, sane, sheltered, and supplied.

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    Replies
    1. That's Purrfect13 April 2020 at 22:24

      That's lovely! You stay safe too.

      Delete
  3. My mother could never figure out why her cat would do that while on her lap. Mystery solved.

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  4. That's Purrfect13 April 2020 at 22:27

    Glad to solve the mystery!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love it when my Sammy kneads my hair when we first go to bed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's Purrfect14 April 2020 at 08:31

      Aw, that is so sweet.

      Delete
  6. Bear used to knead - but he stopped a couple years ago. I kind of miss it - especially on my back!

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  7. Smurgling is a word I heard for this behaviour and I love this word. Our one cat, Kaspar, will do this for over 10 minutes but in between his smurgling he place his but down and does this sex vibration of his lower area like he is screwing that part of the bed or couch and finally, he licks his you know what and then sleeps. It is truly weird.

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Thank you for your commenting, Purrfect.