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You are here: Home / Science / Why Do Cats “Make Bread” With Their Paws When They Are Happy and What Does the Behavior Mean?

Why Do Cats “Make Bread” With Their Paws When They Are Happy and What Does the Behavior Mean?

February 24, 2020 by Karen Hill

The kneading motion with the forepaws is often done when the cat is in a pleased or expectant mood.

It probably imitates the kneading of a mammary gland by a nursing kitten, stimulating the release of milk from the mommy cat.

The behavior is also called milk-treading.

However, there are also scent glands on the feet of cats.

Scratching or kneading with front or back paws may also be involved in scent-marking, whether done on a favorite person or object.

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Filed Under: Science

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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