Why do cats trample on us with their paws and purr when they extend their claws?

Many people get cats to play with them and not feel lonely. At the same time, many people do not think about how much effort they need to take care of them. We are talking about feeding, haircut, bathing, and various hygiene procedures. But in return, owners can receive much more - the love and care of their pet. Sometimes this is expressed in the form of a cat touching a person’s body or clothing with its soft paws. But people do not always understand the reasons for such behavior and may even scold the cat for it. Therefore, next we will talk about why cats knead a person’s paws and how you can get rid of discomfort (if any).

Why do cats trample on us with their paws and purr?

The main reason why cats knead their owners with their paws is an instinct inherent in them from birth.

During the feeding process, when kittens suck their mother's milk, they knead it with their paws , trying to improve its flow. At the same time, they experience a feeling of comfort, safety and security.

During the feeding process, when kittens suck their mother's milk, they knead her with their paws.

Not only small kittens, but also adult cats always need this feeling. That is why, wanting to communicate with the owner, they not only jump onto his lap and enjoy being stroked. In an effort to surround themselves with an atmosphere of safety, animals begin to lightly trample human skin with their paws, and in moments of highest pleasure they emit a loud purr.

Trust in the owner

Many cat lovers adhere to the version that this is how the animal expresses its gratitude and love for its owner. This is how they show that they are extremely satisfied. The roots of this habit should be sought in distant childhood: kittens, when they settle on their 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.” It is fixed in animals for life, and they crush not only humans with their paws, but even soft toys and other cats during games.

Important! Only if the cat completely trusts its owner will it knead him with its paws, while purring enthusiastically and strongly. These animals do not behave this way with unfamiliar people and unpleasant representatives of the human tribe.

Of course, the claws released during this game can scratch your skin, but still you shouldn’t scold the cat for this: this is how he expresses his deepest devotion and affection for you, at the same time feeling like a little kitten, protected from all the vicissitudes of fate by his mother.

What to do if you don't like cat trampling

You can improve your relationship with your beloved pet if you praise and pet the cat while stomping. At the same time, a person may experience unpleasant sensations, because often fluffies, in impulses of feelings, release their claws and scratch the owner’s back and knees. If you can’t influence it in any way, then it’s time to accustom your pet to a scratching post.

To do this you should:

find a place special for this procedure;
interest the pet;
cover things and furniture from the kitten;
respond correctly to your pet’s behavior;
encourage him;
do not resort to extreme methods.

If, for example, a cat likes to sharpen its claws on a chair, then this item should be chosen as a scratching post and placed in a place where there are no sharp sounds. For example, in the kitchen or bathroom, where there is often noise from the washing machine, dishwasher and other items, you should not place a chair.

It is better to smear the leg of a chair or other scratching post with catnip. If your pet ignores it, it means it doesn’t suit him or he doesn’t like the material from which the bait is made. You can try another object as a scratching post. To do this, purchase wooden, cardboard, jute or other cat objects of desire in a special store.

Accustoming your pet to a scratching post is a complex process.

What does it mean when a cat tramples you with its paws?

Why does a cat trample its paws on its owner?
In addition to the reasons described above why cats trample their paws, there are other versions that explain this behavior. Many of them are based on many years of experience observing cats in different conditions: in the wild, in an apartment, in a nursery.

Trampling down a sleeping area

Many experts believe that the habit of trampling soft surfaces with their paws, be it a pillow or the owner’s hand, has been ingrained in these animals since the times when cats were wild predators.

Then, with similar movements, they trampled down their sleeping place for the night , trying to crush the grass and make it softer and more comfortable. If the owner watches his pet, he will probably be able to notice that he almost always works his paws on his sleeping place before going to bed. If your pet is about to fall asleep sweetly on your lap, then you will also have to endure a few minutes of forced cat massage.

Almost always, before going to bed, the cat will work its paws on the sleeping place.

bobot 12/01/201502/10/2017 Category AnimalsTags cats, paws, habits, habits, trampling, scientists, owners Comment.

Why does a cat trample you with its paws?

If there is a cat living in your house, then you have probably encountered a situation when your pet or pet jumps onto your lap, starts purring and... tramples you with its front paws. At first, these cat movements are slow, but then they become more rhythmic, as if your cat is giving you a massage. At first, you even like this and amuse you, however... the cat’s movements become more persistent, and your kitty begins to release her sharp claws. A second... and she ends up on the floor, and you wonder why you angered your pet, that she changed her mercy to anger...

Our today’s “cat” publication is about why and why your cat tramples you with its paws...

cat instinct

In order to find at least one logical explanation for your cat's actions, you need to know her feline nature well. Your cat is not guided by reason, as it may sometimes seem to you, but by natural instincts. And, it is they who control the animal and make your cat behave this way and not otherwise. In the case of “stomping with paws”, the whole point is that a cat, no matter how old it is, and no matter what cat breed it is, always remains at heart... a kitten. And that’s why sometimes she allows herself to behave like a kitten. And, since the cat’s mother is not nearby, you play her role in her perception of the world around her. Because you, like a real cat’s mother, feed her, take care of her, look after her, stroke her, caress her... How do kittens behave towards their mother cat? That's right, they cuddle up to her, and when they are very young, they eat her mother's milk, and in order to increase the flow of milk to the nipple, they do what they do - correctly - trample on their mother with their paws. At the same time, the kitten can still purr loudly and squint its eyes with pleasure. And now, your adult cat suddenly decided to remember her childhood and “confused” you with her cat’s mother. It turns out that she wanted affection and attention, or maybe she wanted delicious milk, and you just didn’t understand her...

See also: Living with cats as a mental pathology

The cat just wants to sleep

Another logical explanation for this behavior of your cat, such as trampling you with its paws, is that the cat is tired, has run around and played enough, and now it doesn’t mind resting, and not anywhere, but on the lap of its owner (by the way, this is the highest degree trust in the eyes of your cat, therefore, the animal is very offended when you drive it away from your lap - the cat wanted the best, to show you its location, but it turned out, as always, and then the owners will wonder why she is so mischievous and disobedient and shits all over the house - just a cat, thus taking revenge on you for its violated trust). And, since cats are wild animals at heart, and in nature such animals sleep in burrows, and in order not to sleep on the cold and damp ground, they have to arrange their own place to sleep. And, although your cat is not wild, and she does not sleep on the ground - but on a soft pillow or your lap, instincts still take their toll and the cat, from old memory, tramples you with its paws in order to equip its abstract and imaginary nest. Ah, you didn’t understand her again and drove her away...

Your cat studies and treats you

This is exactly the opinion that scientists and zoologists came to when they observed the behavior of cats and how they trample you with their paws. We think that each of us has heard that cats are the best therapists and there is even such a direction as feline therapy, in which cats act as doctors. And, as you know, any treatment begins with the diagnosis of the disease, and your cat diagnoses you with its paws, studies your body and tries to capture the energy of the diseased organ and system.

In support of this theory, we can also recall that cats, as indicators, sense sick and negative energy very well. And, if a cat suddenly jumped on your back, it is quite possible that you have back pain or problems with your spine. The cat has settled right on your stomach, and even tramples it with its paws - pay attention to the work of your gastrointestinal tract...

Video of a cat trampling its paws:

The cat needs a scratching post

Well, this explanation is the simplest and most banal - your cat just wanted to sharpen her claws and thus she draws your attention to the fact that it’s time for you to buy for her such a necessary cat accessory as a scratching post. By the way, on our pages you can read about scratching posts - what they are like, how to choose them and, most importantly, how to accustom a cat to a scratching post.

See also: 13 habits that we think are healthy, but are deeply mistaken

Now, you know exactly why and why your cat tramples you with its paws...

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So why does a cat trample you with its paws?

No, you don't know? Then another article on the same topic!

Why does Murka trample on his owner?

Why does a cat trample you with its paws? This question is asked by many owners of affectionate pets. Moreover, the pet does this rhythmically and unconsciously.

If she gets too carried away, she may release her claws. And when you drive her away, she gets offended. What is the reason for this behavior?

Trampling comes from the wild forest

In ancient times, when kitties lived in wild forests and avoided people, they made their own bed. No one put down a feather bed or a blanket. And cats love comfort. This is a feature of today’s, modern meow.

What did these furry creatures do to furnish their bed? They raked dry leaves with their paws and crushed tall grass. To turn natural material into a bed, it was necessary to trample it more tightly. So the cats kneaded their bed rhythmically, knocking and compacting it as much as possible.

The version is quite controversial. Since such actions are not observed in modern street cats. They choose a warm and secluded place and go to bed. No unnecessary paw movements.

It's all about the sense of ownership

This version is worth taking a closer look at. It turns out that there are special sweat glands near the pads of a cat's paws. When a cat kneads, these glands secrete special odorous substances. True, only cats and cats smell the smell. This is how your pet claims its rights to you. Marks his territory.

A moment of utmost love and gratitude

The cat sits comfortably on your chest or on your lap and begins to move its paws, slightly releasing its claws. Researchers and admirers of these animals believe that this is how they show their love and demonstrate complete contentment.

The habit of shuffling his paws appeared in infancy. Kittens, sitting comfortably near their mother’s belly, press their paws on the nipples as they drink milk. Of course, cats do not try to provoke milk production in their owner. But feeding any animal is always associated with joy and pleasure. Since childhood, cats have associated the movement of their paws with pleasure. And they feel good on your lap. After all, you, in a way, have replaced your pets’ mother. So they are trampling. A childish reflex appears. Particularly emotional individuals also begin to purr and salivate.

See also: Will a worm live if it is cut? Interesting Facts

However, the interaction between a cat and a person is mutually beneficial. Scientists have long determined that these animals evoke only positive emotions in people. Cats help cope with depression and stress. Who came up with the idea that it is not recommended for an expectant mother to caress them?

Moreover, the feeling of joy next to your pet helps to quickly cope with diseases of the heart, blood vessels and nerves. And when the cat crushes you with its paws, do not drive her away under any circumstances. The animal will not understand why they are doing this to him. After all, the cat confessed its love to you. If she gets carried away and releases her claws, try to distract your pet with a toy or add a blanket.

Validity check

A cat will never lie down to rest anywhere. She will carefully examine the place and feel it. And since the bulk of tactile receptors are concentrated on the paws, the animal tramples on the object, reading information from it.

This version has a right to exist. To be fair, we note that cats crush not only their owners with their paws, but also blankets, pillows, and sofas. Those places where they are going to lie down.

Self-medication

Our pets, like us, can be nervous, anxious, in pain or under extreme stress. They need to somehow fight these feelings. And I want to maintain the state of happiness, peace and euphoria for a long time. One way is to trample with paws.

During this process, endorphins are released in cats. This hormone helps them not only cope with severe stress, but also maintain a feeling of happiness for a long time. In addition, systematic movements in themselves are calming.

These are, perhaps, all the versions that explain the kneading of cats’ paws. Once again, do not kick your pets out or scold them for these natural movements. If your cat scratches involuntarily, trim its nails. Just don't hurt it. The veterinarian taught us this: look at the animal’s claw from the inside; Only the light edge can be trimmed. In some cats it is white or transparent. This part of the claw is devoid of capillaries, so the risk of injuring your pet is minimal.

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Popular opinion

If you believe the observations of ordinary people, then many cats love not only to purr, but also to trample their owners. Some of them claim that this is how they calm and heal their owners. According to traditional healers, in this way cats can completely restore the energy balance to their owner.

It follows from this that during trampling, the cat takes away the negative message from the human body for itself, and gives only good energy to him.

Very often you can see how a cat lies down on the sore spot of its owner and begins to touch with its paws. Most often he does this before bed. At the same time, he purrs and even bites the sore spot with his teeth, and sometimes he can dig in with his claws. You should not be afraid of this, since, according to healers, it is a little similar to acupuncture and has the same effect.

But this only happens in cases where the animal has an emotional connection with its owner and wants to help him.

What not to do when your cat gets too carried away and shows her claws

If a cat stretches its paws without releasing its claws, then such a massage may even seem pleasant to a person. But what if the animal is too carried away, and its stomping on its knees begins to cause pain to the owner?

Here are some tips to help you gently show your cat that it is best to remove its claws:

If the animal has released its claws and digs them into the skin, then you can lightly stroke its paw on top . This will cause the cat to retract its claws;
You can, by stroking your pet, pull him down and lay him down . This will help him calm down and stop stretching his paws;
You can distract your cat with affection or toys.

Affection from the owner will help distract the cat from letting out its claws.

Under no circumstances, even if your cat's daily exercise causes you pain, do not shout or punish the animal.

You cannot sharply push your pet away from you, drive it off your lap or hit its paws. This behavior can seriously undermine the cat's trust in its owner and even cause it severe stress. After this, the pet may stop cuddling or begin to take revenge, for example, marking territory in the wrong place.

How to behave with a cat that is trampling?

When trampling seals are petted, they usually hump and put their heads under the arm, asking for additional petting. gifted with attention and tenderness, the pet will return the affection a hundredfold. It happens that a cat involuntarily releases its claws while massaging the owner or her things. Sometimes, in an impulse, the cat even slightly bites your hands when you begin to caress him while trampling. These are not manifestations of aggression, but evidence of the pet’s temperament: he does not seek to hurt a person, but is simply too emotional in his impulse of pleasure. It is impossible to punish an animal in such cases. If you can’t stand the claws, you need to take the cat and take it somewhere else to hang out or build him a soft bed from a woolen blanket.

Therapeutic effects on humans

According to professional breeders, pets are capable of healing. This theory is partly true. It has been scientifically proven that they can help a person.

Treatment with cats or feline therapy is a therapeutic technique that anyone can resort to if they are not allergic to wool. Cats are able to sense the owner’s mood; if treated gently, he will come to the rescue when you need to relieve tension.

In addition to the fact that cats help you feel better, their purring calms the human nervous system.

However, rumbling has another function - thickening the bones. Pets use it to heal fractures, since the frequency of sound vibrations from 20 to 50 Hz has a positive effect on bone tissue.

Doctors recommend communication with cats for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, cerebral palsy, and autism. Regular communication will help in socialization of children, becoming a good friend. The care shown by pets normalizes the human condition.

Are there cats that don't have this habit?

Artificially raised kittens that have never fed their mother's milk are deprived of this habit. For this reason, they did not develop a conditioned reflex. Sometimes, when a mother cat has a large amount of milk and few kittens, her babies also do not have the need to trample a person, because they receive food in abundance. They had no need to obtain additional food.

There are many versions of this question, but the only ones who can reliably answer it are our tailed pets. But they don’t allow people into their secret world yet.

Reasons from the point of view of scientists

Of course, no one can accurately answer the question of why a cat tramples you with its paws. People have only some assumptions why she does this:

Childhood memories. According to natural data, in order for a kitten to receive mother's milk, it is forced to put pressure on the mammary glands. This is how stimulation and release of nutrition for the baby occurs. Childhood memories settle in the kitten’s mind, and already in adulthood, in moments of calm, out of inertia, he performs similar actions. After all, he experiences the same warm feelings for his owner, and the cat is rewarded with such signs of attention only by his loved ones, and not by everyone living in the same house with him.
The next assumption why cats trample is a natural instinct. In ancient times, when cats were wild animals, they made their own den. To do this, they trampled down the vegetation, thereby making it soft, and at this time they walked in a circle. Now they do not need such movements, but the instinct is passed on from generation to generation.
Another version is a sense of ownership. Zoologists claim that cats have special glands in their paw pads that secrete sweat, with such a subtle odor that only cats can smell it. In a similar way, the pet marks the owner from other cats, thereby saying that he is busy.
Another idea why cats trample 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 and sharp objects.
Another version of why cats trample, which people really adore, is that a person and his pet understand each other so well that they feel the emotional mood, whether there is any disorder or even depression. If cats trample us with their paws, then in this way they want to improve the internal state of the owner. During these actions, the pet releases a hormone of joy: endorphin, which has a calming effect on the owner and pet.
Another assumption is that the cat at this time feels a hormonal surge and the need for a cat. Neutered cats also suffer from this; their needs for the opposite sex do not go away immediately, but after some time.

People's opinion

Many people think that by purring and trampling its owner’s body with its paws, the animal performs some kind of therapeutic manipulation.

There is an opinion that cats are able to stabilize the energy balance in the human body. If a cat starts doing its “massage”, it automatically exchanges biological energy, removing bad energy and giving the person its own positive energy. It has been noticed that cats most often lay down on problem areas of the body. However, this effect is not inherent in all pets, but only in those that have a powerful emotional connection with the owner.

Cats have long been credited with various mystical powers, including healing humans. At the same time, the effectiveness of feline therapy is confirmed by the results of numerous studies on this topic. There is even official information that confirms that cats can sense a pre-infarction state and find areas of localization of malignant formations.

As for therapy with cats, the famous cardiologist A.I. Lavrushin states that the animal, by trampling on the body of its owner, tries to normalize blood circulation.

I trample my feet at the call of my ancestors

Once upon a time, freedom-loving animals avoided the company of people; they had to hunt on their own, raise offspring and, of course, arrange a sleeping place for the night. Small animals love comfort, and therefore, to build a bed, they raked dry grass and leaves with their paws, crushed plants and scared away insects.

You can turn a section of forest or steppe into a cozy nest suitable for sleeping if you trample it thoroughly. Thus, the representative of the feline rhythmically compacts the cozy bed.

Biological explanation

The fact is that on the pads of a cat's paws there are a huge number of sweat glands and ducts that secrete an odorous secretion. When a cat tramples a blanket with its paws, it marks it for other “competitors,” protecting its property from possible attacks.

In nature this is of great importance. All representatives of the cat family are predators, and therefore need sufficient hunting territory. If some other animal invades it, then it needs to be made clear that the place is already occupied. It is assumed that stomping in different areas helps cats set up unique “beacons” indicating the presence of the owner.

And further. There are also a considerable number of receptors on the same pads. When a cat tramples its owner or another material object with its paws, it seems to “scan” it and learn about the properties of the material. Again, this behavior is especially important in the wild. Since cats are predators, it is very important for them that during the initial period of hunting not a single branch snaps under their paws.

Before rushing at the victim, wild representatives of this family can also stomp in one place for a long time, assessing the condition of the surface under their feet and estimating the optimal force and speed of the throw. If you have ever watched your pet hunt mice, then you yourself have probably seen the same thing.

Emotional factor

Cats, like all living things, can experience stress.

It happens that a pet begins to trample the sofa with such frenzy that one cannot suspect echoes of a carefree childhood in this action.

And all because the owners made a lot of noise, did not feed them on time, drove them out of their favorite place on the chair, took away their favorite toy, etc.

And the cat begins to furiously torment the sofa, thus throwing out its dissatisfaction.

After such a surge of emotions, the animal, as a rule, calms down and can even go to make peace with its owner.

Complete harmony between four-legged friend and owner

Stress relief

Cats often crumple a soft blanket or rug after they have been deprived or offended in some way. For example, they did not give a piece of sausage from the dinner table, although the animal begged for it with all its might. They woke you up or forced you to leave your favorite and already warm place. In this case, the pet often begins to intensively crush various interior items with its paws, however, it does not begin to purr.

We suggest you read: How cats give birth, signs of labor and how long it lasts

Cats crush a person with their paws, splashing out negative emotions. The pet tries to improve his own mood. Often, after stomping around on the blanket for a while, the cat returns to its owner and lies down next to him - this is how the animal shows that it is no longer angry and is ready to continue friendly communication with the person.

Host actions

Ardent cat lovers are sympathetic to the instincts of their pets. People who meet their mustachioed pet for the first time may be dissatisfied with the manifestation of her feelings. Cats crush their owners with their paws, not always controlling their claws.

This habit leaves unpleasant marks on a person’s delicate skin. The following recommendations will help prevent this:

Sharp, rude pulling of the animal from the “crushing” ritual is not allowed. Whatever the reason for this habit, the cat thus shows tender feelings towards its person. If the owner cannot understand her (he will scream and swear), she will stop trusting him. The consequence may be ragged corners due to the stress of the animal.
For such purposes, it is better to have a thick blanket on hand that can be placed on your lap. It will save the owner's skin from claws without compromising the pet's instinct.
If there is nothing at hand, the cat must be carefully distracted by playing or moved to another place.
You can lightly press your pet with your palm and stroke it. In the “lying down” position, it will not be convenient for her to move either her hind or front paws.

How to react to a milk step

Most people enjoy displays of cat love.

Owners are happy to offer their pets tired shoulders or other parts of the body during the day - cat massage perfectly relieves fatigue, soothes, and brings peace.

But it also happens differently. Some people simply don’t like it when a cat scratches the skin with its claws, and this sometimes happens if the animal gets carried away.

In any case, you should not chase away or spank the cat - it can be very seriously offended.

The cat does not understand why she is being chased away. She just wanted to confess her love to her owner.

What to do if the milk step is unpleasant for a person or the claws are severely scratched?

A few simple tips will help you maintain a trusting relationship with your pet:

First you need to go to the nearest veterinary clinic and trim the claws. For those who know how, you can do it yourself . In some cases, , which you can buy or make yourself, claws
Place your palm under the cat's paws below the cat's pads. The cat will continue its actions, but its claws will not touch the skin;
distract the animal with a toy or “yummy”;
place a blanket or pillow under the paws.

You can learn how to make a scratching post with your own hands from this article:

I trampled my friend with my paws and got a little tired

Interesting! If a cat and a dog live in a family, the cat can show its recognition and love towards its four-legged partner. At the same time, dogs often really enjoy cat massage.

How to stop a cat from sharpening its claws?

Cats by nature are natural predators.
Therefore, playing at home with pets also requires natural instinct skills. To do this, you can simply play games with cats that allow you to run, jump from place to place, and so on. And you can train. When training a cat, owners teach it the same abilities, but only by using certain commands. Accordingly, for such actions, the cat is forced to train its claws and sharpen them. After all, she is at the level of instinct, enjoys the game, and shows the skills of a hunter. The conclusion is simple. Every cat needs to sharpen its claws. This is inherent in nature and for this, owners must install special scratching posts at home to avoid damage to the furniture. But it happens that pets do not accept the conditions of their owners and do everything in their own way. This is already a problem for people and here it is necessary to make every effort to shift their attention to the designated places.

What healers say

Many people know firsthand that cats have a healing effect on humans.

After an animal undergoes a cat massage session, many people note a significant reduction in pain.

At the same time, the four-legged healer, with an instinct known to him alone, identifies the sore spot and begins to stomp on exactly where the problem is.

Of course, this version can be considered quite controversial, but official science does not refute it.

As a result of exposure to the skin with paws and claws, local irritation occurs.

In this area, blood circulation increases and processes similar to those occurring during a professional massage occur.

Home massage therapist

Instinctive preparation of a place to rest

Before the domestication process began, cats made their own places to sleep. Often, in order to lie down comfortably, one had to crush the bristling grass with one’s paws. It was also important to make sure the bed was safe for future relaxation.

Cats are by nature cautious and selective - the predatory instincts of wild animals are alive in them and are not reduced. By pressing his owner's paws, the cat checks whether his body is safe enough to relax and fall asleep. With this action, cats may not purr, silently preparing a place for themselves to rest.

We suggest you read: Preparing Chow Chows for an Exhibition