Three Common Questions on Google About the Curious Cat

Why Do Cats Knead With Their Paws?

               Last week, we looked at three common questions about dogs that people search on Google.  This week, I thought I would do the same for cats.  Read on for three things you may not know about the fabulous feline!

               Why do cats purr?  This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is still somewhat of a mystery.  We know that cats purr when they are content, but cats may also purr when they are nervous or ill.  Some research indicates that the vibrations from a cat’s purr may be a type of self-soothing activity and may even promote healing.  It is thought that the low frequency sound may decrease pain and swelling, heal wounds and fractures and make breathing easier.  Pretty cool, right?

               What is it in catnip that drives cats wild?  The active ingredient in the catnip plant is an essential oil known as nepetalactone.  The oil is thought to stimulate a pleasure center in the brain and most cats will roll around on the fresh or dried plant and become very playful.  They may become very chilled out after about 10 minutes of playing with catnip; however, some cats may become a hyped up and a bit aggressive after contact with catnip, so use caution if your kitty is an angry “drunk” on the ‘nip!  But actually not all cats are sensitive to catnip, and all kittens under 12 weeks of age lack the response altogether.  Only about 50% of cats express the gene that makes them respond to the oil in this plant that is a relative of mint and other fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.  Many clients ask if catnip is safe and if it is OK if their cat eats it.  The answer is, yes, catnip is a perfectly safe treat for your kitty and it is indeed edible. 

               And finally, what makes cats want to knead with their paws?  Do they have a secret desire to bake bread?  Are they trying to do yoga?  Actually, kneading seems to be an instinct left over from kittenhood, when a kitten kneads mom’s mammary glands to aid in milk letdown.  Some cats continue to use this behavior to elicit attention from their humans.  Others do it when they are content, when they are trying to make a comfortable place to lie down or just because if feels good! 

               So, I hope this helps to demystify a few of those mysterious cat behaviors.  I’ll bet if you break out some catnip for your cat, you may get to witness some kneading and purring in action! 

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.