bobot 12/01/201507/17/2021 Category AnimalsTags cats, cats, paws, owners Comment.
Scientists have found an unusual use for cats!
Experts and a wide range of people have long known that cats evoke only the most positive emotions in their owners. These animals have the ability to heal from many diseases and also help overcome stress and depression.
Therefore, scientists decided to test in practice why cats are useful. It turned out that the matter here is very simple. Cat owners experience joy and peace when they are around their cats. These emotions can relieve stress and normalize the functioning of the body. That is, cats act as a placebo!
Doctors have found that cats can help cure diseases such as stroke, arthritis and atherosclerosis. At the same time, they themselves do not suffer. So get cats and be healthy! Scientists advise.
What is a “milk step” and where does it come from?
Fingering with the front paws, accompanied by purring, is most often associated with childhood memories. It is called the "milk step". Kittens use this kind of massage to knead their mother’s mammary glands. It stimulates milk production and allows the baby to eat heavily.
The feeling of satiety and security “under the wing” of a mother cat brings very pleasant emotions, so many animals retain this habit even into adulthood.
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.
Why do cats knead their paws?
All existing reasons explaining why cats knead their paws are divided into instinctive and conscious. The first include:
- preparing a bed;
- sexual desire;
- marking the territory;
- hunting.
Unlike instinctive ones, conscious reasons are explained by a real desire for the act of trampling. These include:
- demonstrating love and trust;
- host treatment;
- stress relief.
Below you can get acquainted with all of the above in more detail.
Memories of a protected childhood
Touching a person with their paws after a hearty meal or stroking them is a sign of gratitude, love and trust. After separation from the mother, her role is taken over by the owner, since it is he who is responsible for the satiety and protection of his pet.
At the moment of trampling, some animals manage to suck a human finger or other parts of the body, smacking their lips with pleasure with their eyes closed.
Sometimes similar actions are performed in relation to soft things: blankets or large plush toys. Such “betrayal” should not be taken seriously, because your knees are not available 24/7, and no one has canceled the “milk step” according to the schedule and spontaneous desire.
Preparing the bed
The second reason explains why cats knead their paws before going to bed. It is associated with instinct, preserved from wild cats.
Animals who want to take a nap necessarily crush the grass under them. By marking time in one place, they not only create the most comfortable shape for the future “bed,” but also drive out the insects that have accumulated there with their vibrations.
Despite some common features, getting ready for bed and the “milk step” are still different. In the first case, purring is very rare, and kneading is often accompanied by scratching.
Sexual desire
The onset of heat is easiest to track in females. They arch their backs, raise their butts and fussily move their hind legs. This unusual behavior is accompanied by loud meowing and occasional rolling on the floor.
Under the influence of hormones, males show interest in soft blankets and toys. Having chosen an object of adoration, they begin to knead it with their front paws and purr with pleasure, periodically shifting their hind legs.
In contrast to the “milk step,” arousal is accompanied by small tremors throughout the body, and after completion of the immediate imitation of sexual intercourse, the animal begins to actively lick the genitals.
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
Unconfirmed assumptions
The remaining reasons are considered unconfirmed assumptions. They also explain why cats knead their paws, but they have some nuances that do not allow them to be classified as the main ones.
Marking territory
The sweat glands of mustachioed pets are located directly on the pads of their paws, so in the heat they leave wet marks on the tiles. In addition to cooling the body, the enzymes released help repel uninvited guests. This feature is actively used for marking territories. Most often, females resort to it, since males spray an odorous secretion when urinating.
When marking territory, cats practically do not trample, but simply scratch with their paws. Unlike regular kneading, such touches increase the coverage area and increase the security of the territory.
Hunting
If we consider all possible reasons, then it makes sense to note the hunting instinct. He explains why cats crush the surface with their hind paws before attacking. In this case, this movement helps to ensure safety: the absence of noisy leaves and too soft soil under the paws in which you can get stuck.
Despite the fact that in most domestic animals the role of prey is played by a toy mouse, and the role of soil is a stable laminate, the habit inherited from wild ancestors is still preserved.
Host treatment
Cats love warmth, so they can sense inflammation a mile away and prefer to “heal” their owners. In fact, they simply settle down on the warmest and softest place possible, massaging it before curling up into a ball.
Vibrations during purring really have a beneficial effect on health, but the removal of negative energy and the miraculous treatment of diseases with their help is just a myth. If after a cat massage your mood and well-being improve, then it is important to understand that “after” does not mean “as a result.” Most often, these problems are solved by banal rest and taking medications.
Stress relief
The last unconfirmed hypothesis explaining why cats paw is associated with endorphin, the pleasure hormone. Cat pads are equipped with many receptors responsible for the sense of touch. Trampling soft and pleasant to the touch surfaces stimulates the production of endorphins, reducing stress levels.
Because of this, many pets wrinkle the blanket after returning from the veterinarian or a recent punishment for stealing sausages. At such moments it is better not to touch them, since before the steam is completely released they can take out their dissatisfaction on your hand.
Popular opinion
Traditional healers, when asked why a cat tramples on its owner, give a different interpretation. It is likely that the mustachioed magician finds a place that has less vital energy. By performing a massage with their front paws, they seem to be treating us, bringing energy balance. When a cat seems to enter into a role, trampling on a person’s body, it seems to be in a misunderstanding of what is happening at this moment. It is at this time that the exchange of bioenergy occurs between the animal and its owner.
Eastern sages, studying this phenomenon, claim that cat energy is closest to human energy. This phenomenon does not occur in any other animal. During bioenergetic contact, healing occurs. Eastern medicine claims that 15 minutes of cat massage can relieve depression, and it’s not at all scary when a kitten digs its claws into the skin, thereby stimulating the active zones of the body. They act like needles during acupuncture.
Experts believe that there is no difference whether a purebred pet or a barn cat does the massage. The main thing is that the pet warms up to the owner, so that he likes the person. Cats have an amazing ability to lie down and massage the area where there is a problem.
What should an owner who is in pain from the “milk step” do?
If a cat tramples you with its paws and at the same time actively releases its claws and scratches your skin, do not rush to drive it away or scold it. Such an attitude can destroy the established trust. Instead of punishment, it is recommended to try more harmless options.
Laying soft cloth
The easiest way is to carefully place a soft blanket or thick clothes under your pet that you don’t mind. Thanks to this cape, the massage will bring extremely pleasant sensations.
If the long and sharp claws continue to scratch even after placing fabric, try distracting the cat with a toy or gently turning it over on its side. Once in a lying position, she will calm down and go to sleep. It is also recommended to simply stroke the paws on top. This action will cause the claws to retract instinctively.
Cat manicure
Timely cat manicure not only prevents scratching and damage to furniture, but also prevents delamination of the claw covers. During the procedure, only the light part is cut off with a nail clipper, and the shortened claw must be trimmed with a file.
If you are afraid of harming your pet, seek help from a groomer or purchase silicone anti-scratch caps. They are fixed to the claws with special glue, which is included with the main kit.
What you should never do
In most cases, trampling on the owner is a way of showing love, so it should be encouraged, not suppressed. Prohibited actions during the “milk step” include:
- screams;
- repulsion;
- spanking and other types of physical punishment;
- surgical declawing, or onychectomy.
A sharp reaction can lead to severe stress and other unpleasant consequences.
Pets have the hardest time undergoing onychectomy, as this operation deprives them of a number of vital functions. Due to numerous mental disorders, painful recovery and the development of dangerous complications such as osteomyelitis, in most European countries declawing is equated to animal cruelty.
Showing love and affection
But it’s not just the desire for control that animals express in this way. Cats often place their paws on top of their hands when they are overwhelmed with feelings of tenderness, affection and love.
Animals whose owners are away from home for a long time especially often express their affection in this way and caress people. Cats left alone for a long period of time begin to feel bored and melancholy. And by placing their paws on top of a person’s hands or on a person’s face, the animals try to keep the owner close to them and receive as much attention and affection from him as possible.
Massage for kittens
When a kitten is taken away from its mother, its diet changes, which often leads to bowel problems. Cats lick the tummy and genital area of their babies to encourage them to defecate. Therefore, if a kitten is constipated, you need to massage its tummy with your finger or a sponge soaked in water. This simple procedure imitates the licking of a cat and in most cases causes pushing.
And if the kittens are bottle-fed, then massaging the peritoneum and anal area after each feeding is a mandatory procedure.
What materials can be used for sewing
Before sewing a product, it is necessary to study its design, select materials and need tools. The purpose of production determines which pattern is chosen for the bag and what dimensions it will have, and the following points should be taken into account:
material for sewing the base of the bag. The material for the bag is selected depending on the intended use of this product. It is better to test natural or synthetic fabrics for strength in advance and only then use them in the creative process; selection of material for making the lining. A lining is needed for products used to store easily soiled items. If liquid medicines or hygiene items will be stored in the bag, it is better to make the lining from a plastic bag; tie design to secure contents. To tie the finished bag, you can use different options and solutions. This can be a drawstring (threaded tie) or a ribbon sewn on the side; the tie does not need to be sewn to the bag itself; external decor and how the bag will be decorated. Like any good gift or beautiful thing, it is recommended to decorate the bag
For this process, you can use various accessories and techniques, and it is important that the design style matches the theme of the holiday.
A fairly large bag, designed as gift wrapping, can easily be converted into a beautiful bag, especially if it is made of durable fabric. Any product made from natural and high-quality materials can be given a second life, with a minimum of effort and spending a little money.
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.
What does claw extension mean?
While performing the “milk step,” the animal’s body relaxes and the function of retracting and extending its claws is involuntarily triggered.
While trampling, a cat may release its claws, involuntarily injuring a person. But you shouldn’t be offended by this impulse of your pet. This is another manifestation of cat love.
The movement of the paws promotes the release of secretion from the back of the paws, which is rubbed into the fabric and other surfaces. Therefore, your pet may scratch your arms or legs (mark it as property).
