why does my cat do a thing with his front paws called making bread?

it's actually called kneading, which is what you do to bread dough i think it is a left over behaviour from nursing, but i am not positive

This is kitten behavior that hangs on through the life of most cats. It's called kneading (not the same as treading, which is a behavior when a female cat is in heat). A kitten uses it to start the milk flow from its mother, and that, for most cats, is a state in which they feel content. Thus, when they feel content, they "make bread" or knead because it's pretty much hard-wired into their brains.

I believe its called kneading.

I was told by someone a long time ago, that it was believed that cats would do this when they are very relaxed and content. Also, its a behavior they use as kittens to stimulate the flow of milk while nursing.

It means that you have a very happy cat.

Do you mean Kneading?

This is when my cat snuggles into my armpit (!) and starts pressing each paw, one after the other.

If this is what you mean, then its goes back to being a kitten and getting breast fed, thats how they push the milk out.

It is referred to as kneading and as a kitten this helped to stimulate the mammary gland into secreting milk ; no worries for it is natural .

It's called kneading and I heard it was a leftover behavior from when it was a kitten. Kittens knead their mother to stimulate milk production.

We call it making "kitty pudding". I'm guessing it has something to do with the safety they feel near you and comfort, and they go back to the day's of nursing with momma cat.

It's a way for your cat to express happiness.

boring answer

but ive heard it comes from way way way back

when cats used to be wild animals

old wives tale, but when they used to sleep in the long grass, they used to *paw* the grass down flat so they can sleep on it.

thats also why they spin around before they sit down

x

it a natural reaction...they are making themselves a soft spot...check out cute i tube..waking kitty....