Understanding Why Cats Knead on Blankets
In many households, cats are notorious for kneading blankets. Have you ever wondered why?
Why Cats Knead
Kneading is a behavior that cats exhibit as a sign of contentment and comfort. It’s a natural instinct for them, as they knead their mothers when they are nursing. Kneading helps to stimulate milk production, as well as communicate with the mother. It is also believed that kneading is a form of scent marking, as cats have glands on their paws that leave behind a smell.
Why Cats Knead Blankets
It is widely assumed that cats knead on blankets because it brings back memories of kneading on their mothers when nursing. It is a soothing, repetitive behavior that helps cats to feel calm and relaxed. Another reason why cats may knead on blankets is to mark their territory. By kneading on a blanket, cats can leave behind a scent that will work as a warning to other cats.
Turning Negative Behavior Into Positive
Some cats can get a little too enthusiastic when kneading on their blankets. This can often lead to destruction of the blanket, and an unhappy owner. In order to lessen the intensity of the behavior, it is important to give cats alternatives that won’t damage the blanket. You can do this by:
- Providing scratching posts – Give your cat a scratching post, or multiple, so they can satisfy their instinct to scratch without destroying the blanket.
- Playing – Provide your cat with plenty of interactive toys to distract them from the blanket. Encourage them to play with the toys, and give plenty of praise when they do.
- Brushing – Spend some quality time with your cat by brushing them. This will encourage a calmer, more relaxed attitude.
In summary, kneading is a natural behavior for cats, and it is nothing to worry about. By providing cats with alternative ways to satisfy their instinct, such as scratching posts and interactive toys, you can help to keep damage to the blankets to a minimum.