You may wonder why cats knead themselves before lying down. While many people think this is a self-soothing mechanism, the answer could be much more complex. This behavior is a form of dominance, a way to mark territory, or a sign of happiness. Whatever the reason, cats are certainly happy when they lay down. Read on to learn why cats do this.
Quick navigation
kneading is a self-soothing mechanism
A self-soothing mechanism for cats, kneading, is a form of rubbing on a soft surface, often in the presence of a person or object. This process releases the scent glands that cats produce, which are associated with the qualities of friendliness, affection, and familiarity. When cats knead, they’re also releasing a unique scent that they use to mark territory.
A cat may knead to make a place “cozier” before laying down. It may also knead to attract a mate, as unspayed female cats knead to disperse their scent to potential mates. While kneading is a common behavior in cats, it may also signal a health issue. Fortunately, a FELIWAY Classic Diffuser can help your cat reduce stress.
It’s a dominance tactic
If you have a cat, you know that it often spins around before it lies down. It may even get up after it circles around for a spot that isn’t right for him. Cats do this for several reasons. For one, it helps them conserve body heat by winding themselves up into a tight ball. This way, they can share their heat with others and stay warm. In the wild, cats did not have any control over the climate, so they rolled themselves up into tight balls to conserve heat. They could easily detect potential threats by smelling them coming and then turning around. They also put their scent on objects, such as grass and leaves on the floor.
While these behaviors aren’t terribly harmful for human beings, they do serve a purpose in cat relationships. When cats are inter-cats, they often use dominance behaviors to define their territory. For instance, they might circle before lying down and then block their submissive cat. This way, the dominant cat keeps the human from leaving the area. Cats also engage in this behavior to show that they are the boss.
It’s a way to mark territory
There are several different reasons cats walk in a circle before lying down. Some are associated with aggression or dominance, while others are simply an expression of interest in people. Circling is often accompanied by meowing, which is a sign that a cat is excited to see a person or an unfamiliar object. But for the most part, cats are not engaging in obsessive behavior, nor are they acting out of compulsion.
In the wild, cats were always on the alert for potential predators, and they chose their sleeping spots carefully. To make sure they had the best position, they circled before resting. They also used this time to detect predator scents and to knead the foliage into a soft, comfortable place to sleep. This was a ritual that needed to be repeated every night.
It’s a sign of happiness
Cats walk in circles before lying down for several reasons. They may be disoriented or anxious, and some cats circle to demonstrate their dominance or territoriality. Others circle to gain attention. Some cats simply enjoy attention. Regardless of the reason for walking in circles, this behavior indicates your cat is content and happy. Here are three ways to tell if your cat is happy or unhappy.
The circle walk is a common behavior of cats, and if you notice your cat doing it often, you should try to figure out what it means. Cats often do this to make a bed, so they may be trying to settle down on a rocky area. Cats also do this to flatten long grass and bumps. It’s a form of comfort and a sign of contentment.
It’s a sign of security
When you pet a cat, it’s common to see it circling you before it lays down. This is a normal behavior for cats, and it’s also a sign of security. Cats do it to save their energy after a large meal or hunt. Cats often take long naps after a big meal to recuperate. Although they are not as active now, cats still have a strong hunting instinct.
Cats walking in a circle before lying down are usually happy and contented. Their tails may form a question mark shape, signaling openness and willingness to play. Sometimes, they’ll even roll over on their backs, showing that they trust you. Regardless of the reason, you can reward your kitty by petting it on the head and stroking its back.