My older cat is getting really weird with his "kneading"?

Stop worrying, your cat is just happy with what is happening in it's life at the moment.

Kneading is when a cat extends and retracts its claws, usually when it is resting on its owner's lap. This behaviour comes from kittenhood, kittens knead their mother while suckling to make the milk flow more freely. Adult cats will do this when they feel safe and contented. They see their owners as surrogate mothers and, as pampered pets, will retain some kitten characteristics through their adult life. If the cat dribbles or sucking of the owners clothes happens whilst kneading, the cat in question will probably have been taken from its mother too early and never had a chance to grow out of the behaviour naturally. These behaviours are usually for life.

So, sit back, take a deep breath, and rejoice in the fact that you are raising a NORMAL, happy, contented pet.

I don't know how old my cat is. I found her as a wee kitten and have had her for about a year now. She kneads quite frequently. She is declawed in the front, but not in the back. Luckily she only kneads with the front. She definately enjoys it and enjoys kneading on big ole' belly's even more. She loves kneading on blankets and has a wierd eye lash licking fetish when I'm trying to sleep. I think they are just stretching their lil paws (like we crack out fingers) it's their own way of getting some release.

From what I have read it is just a act of excitement. It releases scents and the peel of their nails. Don't worry...them must like what they have. And that is you!

Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat, says:

Scratching is such a complex and important behavior for cats. Scratching serves as a visual marker and that's vital to survival in the wild. A cat will use his claws to scratch on a tree to mark territory. The visual mark can be seen at a distance and that keeps opponents far away. When the cat scratches he also releases scent chemicals from glands located in his paw pads. This way, he is leaving both a visual and olfactory mark.

Scratching is also a vital way cats stretch their back and shoulder muscles.

When a cat scratches on a scratching post or other rough material, he always removes the dead outer sheath of the nail and that keeps his nails in good condition.

Another important but often overlooked aspect of scratching is that is serves as an emotional outlet for cats. When a cat is very happy or anxious or unsure, he often goes to the scratching post as a displacement behavior. When I come home at the end of the day my cats run to their scratching posts because they are so excited.

Because of the importance of scratching posts, it's crucial that when choosing one, you pick the appropriate type. Too often, people pick fluffy carpet-covered posts and cats don't like those kinds. Choose a sisal-covered post or one with a rough texture.

Best,

Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC

IAABC-Certified Animal Behavior Consultant

Why do cats knead?

That loud purring followed by the sharpening of claws on some soft spot of your body is called "milk-treading." When you relax and sit quietly, you're giving your cat the same signal he got from his mother when he was a kitten - that his mother was ready to let him suckle. A nursing kitten instinctively uses his paws to draw out the milk, gently pushing on his mother's stomach to increase the milk flow. When older cats behave this way, it's a good sign that they're happy, content, and probably recalling their kittenhood. So, concurring with one of the earlier responses, clipping the claws is the option.

Your Cat Is Fine, Mine Did The Same Thing And I Went To The Vet And They Said It Had Something To Do With There Hormones; Since They Are Getting Older.

Awwww... I have lots of cat experience and I think the one answer that is most accurate is "Who knows?" I have a cat who is 17, and every few years her personality changes in some noticable way. It is not uncommon for a cat to experience changes. I wouldn't worry too much about something being wrong with him, as he seems to have more energy, not less.

I have always been impressed with the feline behavioral knowledge of a good vet. Call the vet ans ask what they think. They will probably have no idea why he is doing this, but they may have ideas on how to make it easier on you.

He sounds just fine, I use to have a crazy kneading cat too, who was super sweet and affectionate but would knead my hair when I tried to sleep at night! He purred really loudly when he did it too, so I think he really enjoys that.

You could consider getting your cat de-clawed if the scratching bothers you (or ruins furniture), but other than that, I think he's perfectly healthy and fine. Cats have various types of personalities just like humans, some are cuddly and affectionate while others are not, some love to knead things, others don't.

Hard to tell how old yer cat is... but I do I get the vibe you like your cat! I have an orange tabby, short hair, lil head, squeaky lil meow, and is wierder than daffy duck! Won't eat NOTHING but Meow Mix. Serious. Hey! This fool won't even eat tuna!? What kinda cat is that? He's not terribly affectionate, will not tolerate hugs and kisses... I mean he is just wierd.... My ex dumped him on me, under some pretense. Been with me for years now. This fool has a good life and not one ounce of appreciation...."Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." Dunno who said it, but I swear it must be true!

Is it like he's fighting you with his hind legs? Just curious about that. It sound like play-fighting (or real fighting!) behavior a little.

Do you keep Skinny's claws trimmed on his hind legs? We usually don't trim our's cats hind claws, until we notice it's become a problem. Maybe a hind claw trim will ease the problem.

I have a cat that does this same thing, he is around 6 years old. If we let him, he will kneed all night long!

The solution is: trimming his nails. Have someone who knows how show you how to do it and buy the proper scissors. It is super easy and super cheap, and not inhumane (compared to declawing).

This is normal for cats