Why a cat stomps on its owner's front paws

Massaging and purring the cat is the best expression of his attention and love. If you decide to punish your pet for this, you risk ruining your relationship with him forever and causing him to become aggressive.

What does it mean when a cat stomps?

Everyone who has a cat living at home, not once noticed unusual behavior for it. Very often Purka, getting on a warm and soft blanket, or on a nice upholstery couch begins to trample 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 starts to purr and then it gets comfortable and falls asleep. But it also happens that cats are not just stomping around, they also let their claws out, thus ruining the plaids. And they don't understand why their beloved mistress suddenly starts cursing and won't let them on the blanket anymore.
However, 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 blobs. 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 moments 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.

Causes 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 the kitten to get mother's milk, it is forced to press on the mammary glands. This is how the stimulation and release of nutrition for the baby takes place. Kitten's childhood memories are deposited in its consciousness, and as an adult, it performs similar actions in moments of calmness by inertia. After all, it has the same warm feelings toward the owner, and the cat awards such signs of attention only to favorite people, and not everyone who lives with him in the same 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 the sense of possessiveness. Zoologists claim that cats have special glands in the pads of their paws that secrete sweat, a smell so subtle that only cats can smell it. In this way a pet marks its owner from other cats, thus saying that it is busy.
• Another assumption of why cats stomp is to check their 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 assumption is that the cat feels a hormonal rush and need for a cat at this time. Castrated cats also suffer from this; their need for the opposite sex does not go away immediately, but after some time.

How to behave when cats trample on their 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 the 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 get emotional stress, and it may even harbor resentment.

When cats trample on their owner's skin with their claws, you can try trimming their nails for safety purposes. It is better to have this procedure done by a professional so as not to injure the animal. You can also use a special machine for this, which trims the claws a little, literally 1-2 mm. It is better to perform this procedure by two people, 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 need to 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 an option for distracting from unwanted cat behavior is to change the timbre of the voice, when the owner changes the intonation slightly, then the pet becomes alert and changes its behavior.

Why does a cat paw at you?

Why do cats paw at humans? 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 paws the owner or an object under his paws – this thing is already marked and by the laws of the jungle does not belong to you.

Why does the cat trample on your paws?

Everyone, who was even slightly interested in cats, probably 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 – it is his way of showing how fond he is of you!

Therapeutic effect

When cats move and crumple their paws over a person, they share their energy and take away all the negative. In addition, cat massage has other therapeutic properties that cause animals to be used in medicine. Here are just a few facts:

• Cats are helpful in treating cerebral palsy, the handicapped and the autistic;
• The strong energy field of animals is able to relieve people from the symptoms of chronic diseases;
• Feline therapy is useful in treating inflammation, gynecological problems, and recovery from surgery;
• Regular contact with cats makes people less susceptible to infectious diseases;
• Cat purring promotes bone repair and helps heal fractures;
• The sounds a cat makes improve breathing, help fight stress and restore the nervous system.

It is worth noting and phenomenal intuition and fluffy pets that subtly sense the approach of death and disease of man. That is why they often come and lie down on the sore spot on the body or near the bed of the dying.

All these unique abilities of pets should be appreciated by showing your attention and care for cats. Only then will they reciprocate and relieve headaches and stress.

Let's summarize.

It's no secret that cats are special animals that require a lot of respect and attention. But in return they are ready to give no less, for example, cats will always come to a man in a bad mood or in case of 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 above recommendations. Although it will usually be enough to clip claws and pay attention to your favorite toys. And the moment of libido and heat will just have to wait it out, because spaying is the last, desperate step!

Instinctive or purposeful action? Why do cats stomp on their paws?

The process of rhythmic blanket stomping accompanied by intense purring vibrations can be both unconscious, caused by purely instinctive desires, and conditioned by a specific purpose. Specialists distinguish several varieties of feline "stomping" received together with the gene pool of wild ancestors.

Territorial mark

A significant number of sweat glands are located on the paws of cats. Ever been confronted with the problem of cat "prints" on laminate and tile in hot weather? It's all the sweat excreted by the skin of the animal. When a furry pet dances long and hard on your bed, it's probably trying to "stake out" the area. Especially often this sin cats, which have to share an apartment with other "tails". Placed in the most unexpected places, sweat tags warn about the inviolability of the cat's living space, scaring off other pets.

Dispersing before jumping

Before attacking a mouse or other suitable prey, "matroskins" take a low start and start actively moving their hind legs. From the outside the cat's efforts look comical, but zoopsychologists believe that in fact there is a sacred meaning in these actions. This way the cat tests the "working" conditions: whether the accidental branch hinders the jump or whether its paw movements cause the rustle that frightens away the wary prey. It is believed that such tactics are due to primeval instincts, developed in the days when cats had to find their own food.

Preparing the sleeping place

Does the cat cheerfully rub and paw his mattress before he lies down? It is possible that in this way he is trying to get information about the safety and comfort of the chosen place of rest. In the wild, "trampling" allowed not only to make sure that the bed was soft enough, but also to drive out the insects that had settled in it, which would interfere with the cat's relaxation. And otherwise, such "recharging" before bedtime allowed the cat to switch from a working state to a more relaxed one.

5 other possible reasons why your cat wrinkles his paws

Childhood experiences. Felinologists have a special name for feline "stomping" triggered by childhood memories – "milk step." If you've ever watched a nursing cat, you've noticed how the kittens massage their mother's belly. This is done to ensure the flow of milk to the nipple and to satisfy the basic instinct – hunger – more quickly. Subsequently, the grown-up cats often resort to this method in daily life, practicing the milk step on inanimate objects – bedspreads, soft toys. For adults it is a kind of psychotherapy, causing a pleasant feeling of security and pleasure.

A curious fact: Kittens raised on artificial feeding do not practice the milk step in adulthood. This behavior is not peculiar to animals from small litters either. When the mother's milk is enough for all, there is no need to additionally stimulate lactation in a natural way.

Sexual instincts. During heat in mature cats, an increased thirst for affection awakens. At this time, cats behave as affectionate and compulsive as possible. Stomping on the master's lap, blankets and pillows during the mating season is also a significant amount of time. Usually concentrated "massaging" with their paws is accompanied by other characteristic gestures – rubbing of the body against the legs, inviting purring and arching of the back.

The search for anti-stress therapy. Some cats crumple and trample on soft objects with their paws under the influence of stress. It is known that there are many sensitive receptors on the cat's limbs, so in periods of excitement many purrs "prescribe" soothing stomping on plaids and their own mattresses. Most often such "sessions" are arranged by females, whose labor is about to begin. Before the contractions the cats begin to actively dance on any soft objects to muffle the pain.

The main reasons for this behavior

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 indicates disposition and attachment to a person or object. There are several key reasons why cats crumple the blanket with their front paws:

• Discharge. A cat is stressed or distressed, such as going to the doctor or getting its claws clipped. 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 up a rug or a person with their front paws because of their childhood instincts. Because 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 place of rest for themselves. Experts note that this instinct has been preserved in many animals. That is why some of them even attract the 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. The cat tramples the body or clothes of the person with its paws, expressing its 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, when 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 territory because 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 kneads the blanket, bed or person with its front paws, it means that it shows 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 animal will shut down, become aggressive and may even begin to take revenge.

If the cat wrinkles 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 gentle massage and purring of a cat speak of his deep feelings, affection and love for man. But special attention should be paid to the theory of zoologists that cats are ways to treat humans.

Feline therapy is a special, therapeutic technique, which can be used by anyone who is not allergic to wool. Another interesting ability of animals – to feel the mood and problems of man. Because of this, the pet can independently come to the rescue and relieve the tension. You should not refuse such attention, because the purring of the 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 thanks to the fact that the frequency of the sound vibrates from 20 to 50 Hz, which has a good effect on the state of bone tissue.

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

Why does the cat stomp on your 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, wildcats strive to settle in as comfortably as possible. Researchers suggest that the "stomping" reflex is associated with the preparation of their sleeping place for the night. That is how the ancestors of modern house cats trampled grass and leaves and made 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 early childhood: kittens, when placed on the mother's belly, alternately move their paws, stimulating the receptors responsible for lactation. So this same action, carried over to adulthood, shows the animal's appeasement. 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.
The biological explanation. The fact is that on the pads of the cat's paws there are a huge number of sweat glands and ducts that secrete an odorous secret. When a cat stomps on 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.
A version from folk healers. Almost all experienced cat lovers in one way or another agree 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 unknown why or how a cat determines where its owner is in pain, but it really starts to do its "massage" on that very spot.
■"Endorphin addicts." Strange as it may seem, but during stomping the cat's body produces a large amount of endorphin. This hormone contributes to a relaxed, placid state, 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 start to stomp, arch their backs and purr especially loudly on the first days of spring. Nature demands its own, and therefore your pet fulfills nature's breeding program. The cat's behavior shows its possible admirers its placid mood and signals its readiness to begin the continuation of its species.
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