Why a cat paws a human and purrs

Answering the question why cats purr, many owners confidently say that the reason lies in positive emotions. This answer is correct, but incomplete. Sometimes purring is also triggered by negative emotions. It is possible to understand the desires of the pet only with time, remembering the difference in the volume, duration and frequency of the sounds.

What does it mean when a cat stomps?

Everyone who has a cat living at home, not once noticed her unusual behavior. Very often Purka, getting on a warm and soft blanket, or on a nice upholstery couch begins to stomp on it. The animal feels like marching, but at a very slow pace – moving his paws, as if it gives him a heavenly delight. He even squeezes his eyes shut with pleasure.
And the cat looks very peaceful, it begins to purr rather, and then settles more comfortably, and falls asleep peacefully. But it also happens that cats are not just stomping around, they also let their claws out, thereby ruining the plaids. And they do not understand why it's favorite mistress suddenly begins to swear and no longer allowed on the blanket.
True, it also happens that cats stomp on the lap of the mistress. Of course, not everyone is pleased when you get sharp claws in the leg, and then there are wisps of hair and shiny droplets. Only the cat is very pleasant, and the owners often just throw the animal away. The animal has the most perplexed and even offended look.
The secret of this behavior of cats is in their subconscious. This "stomping" is incorporated in cats in conjunction with the instinct to suckle their mother's breast. It is this leisurely movement of small paws that stimulates kittens to produce milk from the mother's breast. And the more impatient kittens have claws and saliva dripping.
Naturally, the act of suckling warm mother's milk is a moment of happiness. That's why adult cats, when they start stomping on the rug or on the owner's lap, quite purr and even secrete saliva. Cats often associate their owner with their mother – you feed, feed and pet them. So they show affection for you.
And since they can't express their attitude in any other way, they act on instinct – they stamp on you. And fall asleep after that, too, by analogy with kittens, drunk on mother's milk. Happy and satisfied. It is noteworthy that such behavior is observed in animals that are loved and warmly treated. Homeless cats do not make such paw movements – it is an indicator of feline happiness. And what kind of happiness is there in the homeless life.

A little about the physiology of the cat and the reasons for this behavior

These creatures differ from other animals in that they have a highly developed sense of touch. Whiskers, eyebrows, paws – zones that expand the perception of the world. On the pads there are many receptors and glands, whiskers play the role of an indicator of the emotional state, they vary in shape, depending on the breed.

Cats tend to stomp in one place, moving their paws as if kneading dough, sometimes releasing claws, accompanying it with a purr. This movement is called the "milk step. These affectionate displays of affection apply to humans or other animals as well as inanimate objects.

Psychological release

Pets experience stress related to lack of attention, going to the vet, a new neighbor and other reasons. Frustrated or upset cats release their tension through a release ritual, such as stomping on the furniture, letting their claws out, or crushing a soft blanket or cushion with their paws. During this therapy, the animal releases endorphins, which helps it calm down. If interfered with, it may bite its hand.

Memories of childhood

This instinctive paw movement in kittens is one of the first to appear at birth. Babies, by nipping at the cat's belly and massaging it, stimulate the production of milk. Feeding time is associated in animals only with positive emotions. They remember how warm and cozy it was next to their mother. When they reach adulthood, feeling nourished and safe, pets involuntarily reproduce movements from their childhood, shuffling over a rug or sofa.

Getting ready for bed

Another feline instinct has to do with preparing a place to sleep. In the natural environment, animals stomp on grass and leaves to prepare the bed. According to some zoopsychologists, this instinct has survived to this day, but only in a number of pets. Therefore, the pet tramples the already soft pillow with his front paws before going to bed.

Mr. Cat recommends: Actions of the owner

If the owners do not like such a demonstration of care, they may be tempted to drive the pet away, scold it or slap its paws, but this should not be done categorically. The cat came to the person for a reason, it shares its energy with him, expresses a desire to play or show its love. These manifestations of feelings do not deserve a censure.

Instead of shouting and abuse you should pet your pet, stop and gently put it down on the floor or on another soft spot, in this case it will not lose trust and will not withdraw from communication.

If you liked the cat massage, but the pet lets its claws out, clings to clothes, scratches your hands, you need to trim the claws on its paws with special scissors. But not more than 1-2 mm, so as not to hit the blood vessels, and not to hurt the pet.

  • Stroke the pet's paws from above; this action will cause it to remove the claws;
  • Carefully place a thick blanket under the cat and continue to enjoy the massage;
  • with soft strokes on the head, back, lay the cat, in this position, he will not move his paws;
  • gently distract him with a toy, let him concentrate on it.

Such an attitude on the part of the cat can be proud, it shows that the pet feels love and care.

To sum it up

It's no secret that cats are special animals, which require a lot of respect and attention. But in return they are ready to give not less, for example, cats will always come to a man in a bad mood or with exacerbation of chronic diseases. Also cats have a special energy and are ready to share it with others. To do this, they paw at people and purr. For this reason you should not scold, punish or beat the cat for this behavior. It is better to thank him and encourage him with a yummy treat.

If the cat lets its claws out, damages the furniture or causes discomfort, you can use one of the recommendations described above. Usually it will be enough to clip her claws and focus her attention on her favorite toys. And the moment of sexual attraction and heat will just have to wait it out, because spaying is the last, desperate step!

Why does a cat paw at you?

Why does a cat stomp on you with its paws?

Why do cats trample on humans with their paws? Many people have noticed how cats start pawing at their owner, upholstered furniture, or carpets. What is the reason for the unusual behavior? Cat psychologists have deduced several reasons why a cat paws over a surface.

1. If a cat or cat starts this process while purring and releasing its claws, these are clear signs of showing love for you. It may seem strange, but the origins of affectionate behavior should be looked for at a young age. When the pet was very young and drank its mother's milk, it would rest its paws on her belly and crumple it. It turns out that this stimulates the production of milk. The reflex persists even with age: as an adult, representatives of felines are able to remember this childhood habit. In a certain sense, you are also a "mother" for your cat, because most of the time kittens are taken away when they are very young. Sometimes even a little envious: can you imagine if people could relieve stress and pain by just shifting from foot to foot?

2. Cats have a huge number of points on their limbs, which form their tactile sensations. It is with its paws that a cat "tries out the world" – rubs and touches various objects, getting to know its surroundings. For instance, before stretching itself on the sofa it will walk across it and find the most joyful spot.

There are plenty of glands on his paw pads and sweat glands are plenty. Thanks to evolution, predators sweat through their paws. This has a very specific purpose – not to scare off prey by the scent spreading from the body. Scent marks include a lot of useful information: to whom they belong, for whom they are dangerous, and for whom they are a signal for mating. In general, if your pet is squishing the owner or an object under its paws – this thing is already marked and according to the laws of the jungle it doesn't belong to you.

Cat and human interaction

The way a cat purrs depends on the person. Purring pet can trample on the owner's paws, rest on top or next to him. All these actions have an explanation.

Manifestation of affection

If you pet your whiskered pet, he will soon purr. This means that he enjoys being touched and communicating with humans. If stroked against the fur or by a stranger, you may see the opposite effect. The animal will be angry or frightened and will hurry away with a threatening hiss.

Paw Stomping

The most popular interpretation of stomping is the "milk step." Kittens make similar movements on their mother's breast, stimulating a faster emergence of milk. Also pawing is associated with:

If your pet lets out claws while stomping, don't scold him. He has no control over this action, so caress him and put a thick blanket or a pillow under his feet.

Why cats purr and stomp their paws

Lying on or next to a person

Lying close is the highest form of trust and love. The animal feels safe with its two-legged owner. When a person is sick, the furry pet can lay down on top, sending its healing vibrations to the sore spot.

Why don't some cats purr?

Breeds that do not purr include ragdolls and Devon rexes, as well as overly phlegmatic pets. If a healthy cat does not purr like its relatives, there is nothing wrong with it. This peculiarity is hereditary.

If lethargy, rapid heartbeat, dry nose, or intermittent breathing occurs, the pet should be seen by a doctor. Damage to the "purr" occurs when the respiratory system is diseased.

Stress or a bad mood of the owner can also be the reason for the absence of purring. It is not easy to relax in the arms of a stressed person.

Why Some Cats Don't Purr

Why does the cat stomp on your paws?

Probably everyone, who was even slightly interested in cats, noticed that these animals like to move their front paws from time to time, as if kneading invisible dough. But hardly anyone knows why they do that.

Why does a cat stomp on you with its paws? Cat massage, Reason, Gifka, Longpost, Cat

As it turns out, there are several different versions to explain this phenomenon. But, whichever one the experts lean toward, in the main they absolutely agree. If a cat stomps on you with its front paws, it means it loves you!

Why does a cat stomp on your paws? Cat massage, Reason, Gifka, Longpost, Cat

The first version says that it is an innate instinct. When a cat feeds its kittens with milk, the cubs use their front paws to massage the mother's breast, thus stimulating a better flow of milk. And even when cats grow up, they subconsciously move their paws, as if plunging into a happy carefree childhood.

Why does the cat stomp on your paws? Cat massage, Reason, Gifka, Longpost, Cat

According to the second version, cats and cats have glands under their claws that produce a special kind of pheromones. This is how cats show their love and affection for the one they are stomping on with their paws.

Why does the cat stomp on your paws? Cat massage, Reason, Gifka, Longpost, Cat

So if your pet hurts you with his claws when he is doing this massage, you should know that he does it not do this out of spite. On the contrary, in this way he expresses his tender feelings for you!

Reasons from the point of view of scientists

Of course, no one can accurately answer the question of why a cat stomps on your paws. People have only some guesses why she does it:

  • Childhood memories. According to nature, in order for a kitten to get its mother's milk, it is forced to press on the mammary glands. This is how the stimulation and release of nutrition for the baby occurs. Childhood memories settle in the kitten's mind, and already in adulthood, in moments of calmness, he commits similar actions by inertia. After all, it feels the same warm feelings toward the owner, and the cat awards such signs of attention only to favorite people, and not to all who live with him in one house.
  • The next assumption, why cats stomp – is a natural instinct. In ancient times, when cats were wild animals, they made their own den. To do this, they trampled the vegetation, thereby giving softness, and at this time, they were walking in a circle. Now they don't need such movements, but the instinct has been passed down from generation to generation.
  • Another version is a sense of possessiveness. Zoologists claim that cats have special glands in the pads of their feet that secrete sweat, and such a delicate odor that only cats can smell it. Similarly, the pet tags the owner from other cats, thereby telling him that he is busy.
  • Another assumption as to why cats stomp is to check the territory. That is, with such movements they check whether everything is in order for comfort. It is with their paws that pets check for cold, sharp objects.
  • Another version of why cats stomp that people adore very much is that people and their pets understand each other so well that they can feel the emotional mood, whether there is any disorder or even depression. If cats stomp on us with their paws, this is how they want to mend their owner's inner state. During these actions, the pet releases the hormone of joy: endorphin, which has a calming effect on the owner and the pet.
  • Another suggestion is that the cat feels a hormonal rush and need for the cat at this time. Castrated cats also suffer from this; their needs for the opposite sex do not go away immediately, but after some time.

How to behave when cats trample on the owner's body

Many people don't understand how to behave when cats stamp their paws on the man, when they jump on us with a smiling face, settle down and start stamping, as if they are kneading dough. At the same time cats can easily let out their claws, but you can see from their reaction that these actions were not in their plans.

Sometimes we have mixed reactions to this, especially if sharp claws are hammered into a soft part of the body. There is no need to chase the cat, we must remember that in this way he shows trust and love. If you chase the cat away at this time it will be emotionally stressed and it may even harbor resentment.

Cat under the plaid

When cats trample their claws into their owner's skin with their paws, you can try clipping their nails for safety purposes. It is better to have this procedure done by a specialist so as not to injure the animal. You can also use a special machine to trim the claws, literally 1-2 mm. It is better to perform this procedure together so as not to hurt the animal.

When the owner knows that his pet is prone to actions that make him uncomfortable, some tricks can be used to temper the ardor of the animal. When the cat starts stomping on the owner with its front paws, you should hold them back a little and try to distract the pet with a pet or toy. Another maneuver during unwanted behavior is to quietly pull the cat down. This way he will calm down and go to sleep. As a variation of distraction from unwanted cat behavior is to change the timbre of the voice, when the owner changes the intonation a little, the pet becomes alert and changes its behavior.

The main reasons for this behavior are

The answer to the question of why cats wrinkle their paws on the blanket and purr is asked by many pet owners. First of all, it should be noted that cats have a developed sense of touch, and their soft paws and whiskers expand their perception of the world. On the pads of the cat's feet there are many receptors and glands that secrete special enzymes. As they do so, cats stomp on the plaid, releasing their claws and accompanying the process with a purr. This movement is called the "milk step" and is indicative of disposition and affection for a person or object. There are several key reasons why cats crumple the blanket with their front paws:

  • Discharge. The cat is stressed or distressed, such as a trip to the doctor or a claw trim. If the cat is offended or upset, it may trample on furniture, releasing its claws. This process is accompanied by a release of endorphins, and you can't interfere with the "discharge" because the pet may bite;
  • Memories from childhood. Cats crumple the rug or human with their front paws because of their baby instincts. As kittens do this after birth, massaging their mother's belly to stimulate milk production. By the way, all cats associate feeding time with the good, with warmth and comfort. Because of this, when feeling satiated and safe, the pet begins to knead soft objects with his paws;
  • Preparing to rest. One of the instincts of cats is to prepare a place to sleep. In the natural environment, they have to knead grass and leaves, creating a resting place for themselves. Experts note that this instinct has been preserved in many animals. That's why some even attract a pillow to themselves;
  • Mating period. In times of flirting, cats can also perform similar actions. Calving is the period when the cat starts stomping on the blanket, arching its back, and purring. During this time, it is better not to disturb the pet, this condition will pass in a few weeks or during pregnancy;
  • Expression of feelings. A cat tramples on a person's body or clothing with its paws, expressing affection, love. Also, pets can "treat" painful conditions or check the health of the person in this way;
  • Hunting instinct. Some specialists crumple the blanket with their front paws, obeying their ancient instincts. Because earlier, living in a natural environment, animals would check the surface with their paws to make sure nothing was in the way;
  • Territory. Cats can mark the territory, as there are glands on their paws that secrete special enzymes. It is worth noting that such actions are more peculiar to the male sex.

What should a man do?

If the cat scratches the rug, bed or person with its front paws, it means that it expresses its love, care and affection. The cat comes to share its energy and absorb all the negative. Therefore, you should not punish, yell or beat the animal for such manifestations. Otherwise the cat will shut down, become aggressive and may even retaliate.

If the cat crumples the blanket or clothing, purrs and lets its claws out, you should take care of their length. Owners may also resort to other tricks:

  • Stroking the cat's paws from above, which will make him hide his claws;
  • Put a thick blanket or cushion under the cat's feet;
  • While stroking the cat's head, lay the cat on its side or back, which will change the force of the action;
  • Distract the cat's attention with a soft toy.

In any case, such actions, especially the soft massage and purring of the cat, speak of his deep feelings, affection and love for man. But special attention should be paid to the theory of zoologists that cats have a way to heal people.

Feline therapy is a special, therapeutic technique, which can be used by anyone who is not allergic to wool. Another interesting ability of animals is to feel the mood and problems of man. Because of this, the pet can come to the rescue on its own and relieve the tension. You should not refuse such attention, because the purring of a cat relieves stress and tension, and calms the nervous system.

By the way, the purr of a cat promotes bone thickening, which they use to heal fractures. All due to the fact that the frequency of sound vibrations is from 20 to 50 Hz, which has a good effect on bone tissue.

Because of the positive effects of purring and cat massage, animals are used to treat schizophrenia, cerebral palsy and autism.

Why does a cat stomp on you with its paws?

Why does a cat stomp on your paws? Some features of the behavior of these cute animals still do not have an unequivocal explanation.

Wild Roots. These animals are–known "sybarites." Even in the woods, feral cats strive to settle in as comfortably as possible. Researchers suggest that the "trampling" reflex is associated with preparing one's sleeping place for the night. This is how the ancestors of modern house cats trampled grass and leaves, making a comfortable bed.
■ Trust in the owner. Many cat lovers believe that this is how an animal expresses its appreciation and love for its owner. The roots of this habit should be sought in distant childhood: kittens, when settled on the mother's belly, alternately move their paws, stimulating the receptors responsible for lactation. So this same action, transferred to adulthood, shows the pacification of the animal. Scientists call this behavior the "milk step."
■How to respond to cat petting? Under no circumstances should you chase an animal away, even if its claws don't make you feel particularly positive. Praise the cat, pet it. This will make your relationship with your cat even more trustworthy.
■ Biological explanation. The fact is that the pads of a cat's paws have a huge number of sweat glands and ducts that secrete an odorous secret. When a cat tramples a blanket with its paws, it marks it for other "competitors", fencing off its property from possible encroachment. In nature, this makes a huge difference. All members of the feline family are considered predators, and therefore need sufficient hunting territory.
■Version from folk healers. Almost all experienced cat lovers agree to one degree or another with the statement that these animals are "therapeutic". After a cat walks on a sore back with its paws, it not only becomes much less ill, but also recovers much faster.
The official science quite agrees with its "colleagues". It is not known why or how a cat determines where its owner is in pain, but it really starts to do its "massage" in that very spot.
■"Endorphin addicts". Strange as it may seem, but during stomping a cat's body produces a large amount of endorphin. This hormone promotes a relaxed, placid state and is a natural stress reliever. Simply put, the animal in this simple way calms down, restores normalcy.
The mechanism of sexual behavior. Finally, cats often begin to stomp, arch their backs and purr particularly loudly on the first days of spring. Nature calls for its own, so your cat follows nature's breeding program. The cat shows its possible admirers its placid disposition and signals its readiness to start reproducing.
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