Why cats purr and crumple with human paws: revealing the secrets of cat love

The behavior and habits of cats often cause confusion. Most often, novice cats wonder why cats purr and crumple the paws of the owner.

Cat purring is the vibration of the vocal cords in the range of about 25-150 Hz. According to studies, such fluctuations are associated with the acceleration of soft tissue regeneration, wound healing, strengthening of bone tissue, reducing pain and swelling. Therefore, cats often purr during illness, after operations and even in childbirth: for them it is a way of anesthesia and support of the body.

When the pet settles on the owner’s chest and “turns on the tractor”, he can calm you down and self-medicate. Purring has a positive effect on the human nervous system: it helps to reduce stress and normalize pressure.

What is the “milk step” and why cats crumple their feet

When a cat thinks with its owner’s paws, it is called a “milk step” (from English. kneading). The habit comes from childhood: kittens crumple the belly of the mother cat to stimulate the outflow of milk. For them, it has to do with safety, satiety and warmth. An adult cat transfers this skill to the owner, a soft sofa or wool plaid.

If the cat gets on his knees and rhythmically handles his paws, he returns to the state of a protected kitten. In the body of the animal at this moment, endorphins are produced - hormones of happiness. The cat is relaxed and considers you its safe zone. If it salivates slightly, it can be considered a very high level of cat trust.

Why does a cat release its claws when it thinks its paws

The most common complaint of owners is claws. When a cat is deeply relaxed, it may lose control of the force of pressing: the tactile memory of the paws at such moments works separately from conscious control. To keep the skin intact and not to offend the pet, put a tight towel or a small pillow under your paws. Repelling a cat at this point is not worth it - for her it will look like a loss of a safe place. You can also carefully trim the tips of the claws.

How to respond to purring and trampling

Don't drive the cat away. If the milk step is interrupted, the pet may experience stress and lose its sense of security.

Keep the bedding handy. A small old towel by the chair or sofa will help: as soon as the cat begins to settle down, put it under his paws.

Speak quietly. A calm monotonous voice helps to relax both the cat and the person.

The combination of purring and wrinkling paws is great cat praise. For a cat, it means, “I trust you, I feel as safe as my mother, and I can treat both of us with my vibration.”.