Cats kneading

[gardenmad]

Why does my cat jump on my lap and then proceed to inflict me with his claws, purring loudly the while? He kneads me and it hurts. I know when kittens are born and they feed from mum they press down with their little front feet, but their claws are soft and presumably don't hurt. Over the years (he is fourteen) he has learned when I say NO rather loudly to stop but he still lets one little claw prick me. I think he loves me from the daft expression on his face but I wish he didn't hurt!

[chrisrob]

As you say, it's the response as kittens to draw their mother's milk. He sees you as his mother and the behaviour is continued as his way of telling you he loves you. The fact his claws have grown just makes it painful to you but he doesn't realise that.

[gardenmad]

Thank you Chrisrob for that - so I must just let him continue to have a dig! He is adorable, though, I am getting all silly just thinking about him. They say dogs have masters but cats have servants. How true...

[kira000]

As i type, one of my little fur balls is lying flat on the alpaca rug on the floor, face buried in the deep pile, both front legs out front like a flying superman, frantically kneading the rug! Bless!!
Its just her showing she is feeling happy and relaxed. She does do it to me when she climbs on me for a cuddle, but her claws are needle sharp so i have to tap them to get them to retract!

[dawndevil]

my dad always says the cats are checking the grass for snakes lol! even if they are on a blanket

[CheekyChops]

dawndevil, I thought that was when a cat circles for a while before settling down? Even in my bed at night, my cat goes in circles for a few seconds before he lies down - I was always told that it goes right back to when they were undomesticated and needed to check for snakes and things!

[happy_face]

So how come my mum's and sister's cats always do it to me but never to them? I only see the cats twice a year