There's no way not to say that cats are very peculiar animals, with different quirks and behaviors that we don't understand. One of these customs is the recurring habit of felines dedicating themselves to fluffing the pillows, in a similar gesture to kneading a bread dough.
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Usually, owners are curious about this attitude and are wondering about the intention behind it. However, experts point out that it is totally normal for cats to do this, not indicating any disorder or behavioral deviation. So, if you really want to understand what's going on with your cat when you see him “kneading bread”, read on!
Some scientific research points to the fact that this habit is a kind of affective memory of early childhood, especially of their mothers. That's because, when they were puppies, during breastfeeding, cats used to ′′ fluff ′′ the area around their mother's teat to extract milk.
In this way, some scholars understand that the act can be a kind of behavioral reminder of this very important moment in their lives. Very cute, isn't it?
However, other studies will point to an even older memory, a genetic memory that resumes the wild instincts of cats. According to these studies, by fluffing places, cats are stimulating their territorial glands, that is, demarcating their territory.
Still in this sense, there are also studies that point to a primitive idea of a cat inhabiting the jungle. Within this interpretation, “kneading bread” would be suggesting the act of primitive cats that fluffed up beds of leaves and branches. That is, the way cats would be arranging their den, their place to sleep, showing appreciation for comfort.
However, something that all experts confirm is that cats behave like this when they are very comfortable and happy. This indicates that by fluffing the pillow, he is relaxed, calm and feels safe where he is. And it's good that they feel that way in our company, isn't it?
Now, you will certainly look at this habit with different eyes. Remembering that, if your curiosity has been answered, send this article to your cat caretaker friends!