Good Lifestyle

Cats are interesting creatures, to say the least: it means that they often do things that we do not understand very well. Delivery of dead mice like racing gifts at night with zooms, there is no shortage of strange behavior that animal owners can live from their feline friends. But why do cats make cookies? Read the rest to find out more about this habit and find out what it really means when your cat starts to knead.

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What is "making cookies"?

"Making cookies" refers to a common behavior observed in cats which is also known as the kneading.

"This is where they push their legs in and outside against a soft surface, often alternating between left and right," said Kathryn Dench , My vetmb, a Holistic and integrative veterinarian And chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. "This recalls the way a baker kneads the dough, hence the name."

Why do cats knead?

There is not a singular reason to know why cats knead. Instead, this behavior can occur for a number of different reasons. Here are four possible explanations to explain why your feline friend makes cookies.

1. They act by instinct.

Cats start to knead like kittens first.

"This is how they stimulate mom's milk production when they are breastfeeding," said Mikel Delgado , PHD, certified animal behaviorist and Cat behavior expert With rover.

Thus, certain cats can simply do this by instinct of their youth.

"Adult cats often continue to do this behavior, even if they were no longer going," explains Delgado.

2. They mark their territory.

Petrinage also helps cats to mark their territory - whether on a person or in a particular area. This is because "cats have glands between their toes", according to Preston Turano , DVM, veterinarian and veterinary spokesman to Felix Cat Insurance.

"When cats knead something, their perfume is placed on the glands between their toes to" mark "it, Turano shares.

3. They are preparing to fall asleep.

If your feline friend fell asleep, you may notice, also start kneading. They do it to "prepare their bed", according to Turano.

"Petrin can create a warm and comfortable place to rest," he notes.

4. It feels good.

Making cookies is often "associated with relaxation and contentment", explains Dench. "This can be a sign that your cat feels safe and happy in its environment."

Stephen when , certified Foulins training and behavior Specialist, confirms that petrin is sometimes simply a soothing act for cats.

"They can do it just to feel good and to stretch their muscles and tendons," he said.

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Where do cats generally make cookies?

When it comes Or They knead, cats generally look for "soft and flexible surfaces that offer comfort", explains Dench. This may include things like the covers, pillows or even their owners' knees.

"The choice often depends on where your cat feels the most safe and the most content," she notes.

But if your feline friend remains normally outside, you may notice them to make cookies elsewhere before going to bed.

"Cats in the wild have been observed to knead grassy areas before sleeping," shares when.

What does this mean when a cat makes you cookies?

Making cookies is also a liaison behavior for cats. When they knead like kittens, it "stimulates their mom to free oxytocin - which is a social affair hormone", explains when.

So when they become adults, cats can knead a person - especially on their belly - to show that "they care about this person and want to bind with them," he said.

"When a cat kneads you, it is generally a sign of affection and comfort," confirms Dench. "This indicates that your cat feels safe with you, by associating your presence with the comfort and care they have received as their mother's kitten."

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Is doing cookies a sign of distress?

Petrin is most often "considered a positive behavior", according to Delgado. "But it is possible that certain cats can knead when stressed to comfort themselves," she warns.

In this spirit, it is important for animal owners to monitor any sign of excessive kneading, "especially if it is accompanied by vocalizations or unusual behavior", says Dench. This may indicate that your cat is in distress or pain. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"If you notice changes in the frequency or intensification of your cat, it could be worth visiting the veterinarian to exclude any underlying problem," advises Dench.

Keep in mind that it is not always A bad sign if your cat makes overtime to make cookies.

"If your cat is also comfortable, relaxed and performs typical cat behavior (like playing, scratching, spending time with you, eating and using the litter), we are not too worried about kneading excessive" , explains Delgado.

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How to prevent cats from kneading

Making cookies is "normal and instinctive behavior that should usually be encouraged because it means a relaxed and happy cat," says Dench Better life . But if the behavior becomes problematic or destructive, you can always try to dissuade them from kneading certain surfaces or in particular by offering other options.

"The redirection of behavior rather than stopping it entirely allows your cat to express this natural instinct in a less disturbing way," explains Dench.

Try toy toys, pillows, cat trees or dedicated cat beds and covers if you want to redirect their kneading efforts.

"In addition, if your cat likes to knead you and it's painful, try to place a soft blanket on your knees and keep your cat's nails," suggests Delgado.

Wrap

This is all for our guide supported by experts on the reasons why cats make cookies. Make sure you soon check with us for more information on cat behavior and other useful pets for pets that can help you keep you and your fur, happy and healthy.