Have you ever wondered what “pawing” means, this adorable habit that cats have? You've probably already seen some felines practicing this amazing behavior. In this article, we reveal the secrets of this strange feline habit, reviewing its origins and its different reasons. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be amazed by this cat mystery!
Pawing: a sign of well-being and affection
The “pawing” is a natural and instinctive behavior of cats, according to the SPA of Lyon. This affectionate action consists in kneading with their front paws a soft and fluffy surface, such as a blanket, a sofa, a plush, or even the legs or the belly of their master. This ritual is inherited from the period when they were still kittens and kneaded their mother's belly to stimulate milk secretion.
As adults, some felines continue to paw for various reasons. Most of the time, they repeat this movement, accompanied by purring, when they are happy and relaxed, or to show affection to someone. It's a true sign of your four-legged friend's well-being.
Pawing: a perfectly normal but sometimes surprising behavior
Pawing may also be a more subtle way to mark their territory, thanks to the pheromones released by the glands located between their pads. These repetitive movements would also help them to relax and stretch their muscles after a good nap, or to shape their bed to create a cozy nest. This behavior is perfectly normal and should not alarm you.
However, it is possible that the pawing becomes excessive and is accompanied by behavioral problems such as scratching, aggressiveness – possible signs of anxiety – or a tendency to suck on tissues – signs of early weaning. When in doubt, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian or a behaviorist for advice tailored to your feline.
You will have understood, the patounage is an intriguing and fascinating phenomenon which reveals us a little more the complexity and the richness of the behavior of cats. So, the next time you see your cat pawing, you will know that it is a sign of affection, relaxation or simply a means of expression for your little companion.
Summary
My name is Maggie and I'm a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on counterpoint.info and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it's about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.
