Each cat This is the whole world. Like every person, every dog … Everyone has their own personalitybut the truth is that it’s pretty common among them knead everything that gets in their way, from fluffy blankets to the feet of their human friends.
It is very curious to observe how they support their outstretched front legs and stretch and squeeze them one by one, like a baker making a ball of dough. Logically, it has nothing to do with food or the masses. In fact, when cats do this, they are showing satisfaction or an affective bond with either humans or other cats.
Of course, if they do it compulsively, that can be a problem too, so it’s important to know how to tell the difference. They recently explained it in an article for Talk Susan Hazel and Julia HenningProfessor and PhD in Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide.
Why do cats like to knead?
According to these researchers, cats’ passion for kneading dough begins when they puppies. Then they dedicate themselves mess with your mothers for two very specific purposes.
On the one hand, stimulation release of oxytocin. It is a hormone that is also secreted in humans and has several functions. For example, he shares at the time of delivery promote cuts. But then he intervenes in mother’s attachment to the child. In fact, it is known as the love hormone for its role in the development of affective bonds, including in relation to a couple.
However, in the case of cats, oxytocin released during kneading has another function: stimulate milk production. They do this by stimulating their mothers’ affection for them, so it’s win win.
On the other hand, cats have glands on their paw pads that release pheromones during kneading, which are responsible for further strengthening the bond with their mothers. This occurs in both men and women. But, in addition, in females around the chest other glands which secrete pheromones associated with affective bonds. In this way, the relationship becomes completely reciprocal.
All this is very useful to them when they are puppies, but it is also preserved in adulthood. And it is believed that if it is preserved, it is precisely because it beneficial to them.
In the same way that oxytocin not only creates bonds between mothers and children, the pheromones released when kneading help them interact and communicate with other cats. But also with people. In fact, some go to great lengths to stretch the legs of their housemates.
Hidedon’t scold them
In an article for Talktwo of its authors recommend that people who live with cats don’t scold them if they tend to wrinkle their feet. It’s true that it can be uncomfortable at times, but you can always use thick blankets to cover them up and protect your skin. Also, they can be trainedpet them and reward them when they do so with little to no use nail.
At best, we should take them to the vet if we see them starting to churn en route. intrusive. Sometimes they can do it on a blanket or pillow, simply because it feels good for them. And with us show affection. But if they do it persistently and even damage their legs, it’s time to turn to a professional.
Other than that, scolding them when they’re kneading us can be confusing, as we’ve seen them use this to show affection. Would we repeatedly scorn and repulse a person who has shown us love and affection? Well, there are those who do. But at least it shouldn’t be common. And if we don’t do it between people, we shouldn’t do it with our cat either.
Source: Hiper Textual
