LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

Comments

Many cats like to sleep at their owners' feet. I think it is an affectionate act. The feet are also typically warm, which attracts the cat. Does he ever try to attack your feet? Some cats will if you move them under the covers. Also, most people move their heads, arms and torsos a lot during sleep. The feet may be less disruptive to the cat's own nap.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat usually sleeps on the bed with us. His favorite spot is on my feet. Not at my feet, but on my feet. Is it a sign that he is comfortable with me, or is it a hunter thing? What could this mean?

-- Contributed by: Kevin

Hi Mo,

It sounds like you were very close to your cat. I'm sure she or he wouldn't want you to still be sad, though. Try to remember the good times you had together and consider getting a new cat to help you reconnect with a pet and get past your sorrow. Sending some cyber hugs your way. We've all been here. It's hard to lose our friends.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I feel like crying, my eyes are wet. I lost my baby two yearz ago :'(

-- Contributed by: Mo

Hi Christy,

You're welcome for the information. I'm glad it was helpful. You don't mention the age of your cat. She may outgrow that behavior with time, if she is still young. One thing you can is to tell her no and pick her up and move her to the foot of the bed or next to you. She is again showing you affection, but doesn't realize you have a need to sleep a straight amount of time instead of taking cat naps. It may take a bit of persistence on your part, but eventually she should get the idea if you are consistent in moving her each time she begins this behavior.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I really appreciate the information about kneading! I am very glad to be the source of my cat's happiness and will enjoy it now that I know! One question, though, she does it at night on my head, thus waking me up by pulling my hair. I want her to be able to sleep on the bed with me but can't afford to be woken up several times a night like that. I don't want to discourage her in the wrong way, can anyone suggest something (other than shutting her out, which is what I have to do right now and hate it!) that will help her settle down? Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Christy

LoriSooard, You should NEVER advocate the painful and cruel act of declawing. How would you like your fingernails pulled out. If you can't handle a cat, don't get one!

-- Contributed by: Kristen

Hi Elena,

You are absolutely right and this likely either reminds her of her mother (soft and cuddly), or the mood it puts her in reminds her of the way her mother made her feel. It sounds like a happy reaction, so I'd either keep it available for her or buy her something of her own with the same texture.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

my cat Sarabeth (1 year old) kneads everytime she comes across my really soft blanket from valentines day, or my robe that is made of the same material, she just purrs and kneads it, also drowls on it. i always wondered why she would do that, the texture of the blanket and robe was not the same as cats, so it always made me wonder. i can just saw it reminds her of her mother.

-- Contributed by: Elena

Hi Mark,

He sounds like a very sweet and loving cat, but I understand your girlfriend's frustration. After a long day, she likely wants to relax and your cat won't allow her to. Plus, it sounds painful. You have a couple of options. Cats can be trained and the best way is through praise when they do what we like. Every time he starts to do the undesired behavior, move him elsewhere. Praise him when he stays there.

You could also clip his claws or perhaps buy some of the covers that go on a cat's nails to help with the scratching. Finally, if none of this works, you may need to consider having at least his front paws declawed. It is a painful process for cats, but sometimes it is a necessary evil. I would research the process thoroughly and be well informed of all decisions.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat of 7 years kneads like all cats, but in an unsual and for my girlfriend a somewhat uncomfortable way. Whenever she lays down, he sits on her chest, buries his head under her chin, reaches out with both paws and kneads the pillow behind her. Unfortunately, he also nicks the sides of her neck in the process. I understand her discomfort. He does this multiple times a day and never seems to tire of it. He used to do this to me, but has largely switched over to her since I moved in 4 months ago. She wanted to remove or clip claws. I told her to feel honored the cat has adopted her as lovingly as I have. She loves him, but the scratching on her neck is challenging her tollerance. Any advice?

-- Contributed by: Mark Garrahan

Hi Felicia,

She sounds so sweet. This is a behavior that goes back to kittenhood. It sounds like she equates you with her mother and is feeling secure and contented. I'm not sure it's going to be easy to deter her, since this is an instinctive behavior. You can try to distract her by scratching under her chin, for example. Otherwise, you may just want to allow a little extra time for her to settle in and go to sleep, so she doesn't disturb you or your husband.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi there, Just a quick question. My kitty has a weird habit. When she's really tired and ready for bed she curls up next to me and starts licking/sucking her back claws, while kneading pretty vigorously. She only does it when she's around me or my husband. When she's sleeping alone she doesn't do it at all.. The slurping noise she makes is kinda irritating. Any ideas as to why she does this? Or how I can make her not do it? I love when she sleeps with me but lately we can't handle her slurping/sucking noise.

-- Contributed by: Felicia

My 11-year-old neutered male is recently kneading my new chenille lap throw in a really weird 'humping' position... what's up?

-- Contributed by: la

Hi, Angel. How are you? I wouldn't call this behavior unnatural. Maybe a little odd, but every cat is different. Their unique personalities are part of what makes them such great companions. Some enjoy sitting on laps, some just want to be near you but not on your lap and others like shoulders. We currently have two cats. One is a lap cat and the other is a shoulder cat. She also likes to sit behind me on the couch and chew my hair.

I did some research on this topic and there a couple schools of thought:

Your cat may be grooming you and this is an affectionate guesture.
If you are using hair products that have a mint smell, that can attract the cat to your hair.

If you dislike the cat doing this, you may try a different shampoo with a citrus smell, which cats don't care for. You could also try braiding your hair or wearing it up in a ponytail if it long or wearing a beanie if it is short. However, if the behavior doesn't bother you, I would let the cat enjoy its perch on your shoulder. Sounds like his or her favorite spot :).

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

my cat seems to always crawl onto my shoulder and play or sleep in my hair. is that natural?

-- Contributed by: angel
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