i know nothing about cats, but my roommates cat does this thing and i cant understand

[JulesMaximus]

We call it making bread (because it looks like they are kneading bread dough) it is what kittens do when nursing and it's perfectly normal. And cats typically do the kneading part into adulthood, ours does it before laying down or while being pet along with purring, but they don't typically do the suckling part unless they were taken away from the mother too early.

 

[John P]

Watch those cat claw scratches. One of a little kitty's weapons against foes is infection by scratching. I didn't realize this until a co-workers husband got a nasty infection on his arm from a cat scratch from a neighbor's cat that had wandered into their garage. Clean the scratches well and don't let kitty scratch you if you can help it.

 

[thomsbrain]

For the claws, buy a small set of nail clippers from the pet store and clip off a millimeter or so from each claw. You need to press gently on the top of the toe to make the nail come out of the toe. Front paws are most important in terms of scratching. But I would recommend the cat's owner do this rather than you.

 

[spidey07]

For the claws, buy a small set of nail clippers from the pet store and clip off a millimeter or so from each claw. You need to press gently on the top of the toe to make the nail come out of the toe. Front paws are most important in terms of scratching. But I would recommend the cat's owner do this rather than you.

You want to do WHAT to kitty? Oh hell no! You think while you have my front paws trying to clip my man razors you're safe from my much stronger back legs and their flesh digging power?

That was your first mistake! DIG!

 

[bigrash]

thumbsup

 

[Modelworks]

Watch out when the cat starts to do that. Mine will start doing that , then purring , then start casual light biting, then suddenly latch on like they are trying to take off my hand .

For the claws the easiest thing is get them something to walk on that is rough. They make pads that are basically sandpaper . Here is a DIY version
http://video.about.com/cats/Homemade-scratch-pad-for-cats.htm

 

[CPA]

my kids call it "giving a tummy rub" I can't stand it.

 

[Phoenix86]

Watch those cat claw scratches. One of a little kitty's weapons against foes is infection by scratching. I didn't realize this until a co-workers husband got a nasty infection on his arm from a cat scratch from a neighbor's cat that had wandered into their garage. Clean the scratches well and don't let kitty scratch you if you can help it.

It's not a defense/attack mechanism, and not all cats carry it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_scratch_disease

For the rest of the thread:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneading_(cats)

Scratch post/pads/toys help keep their nails in check, but really one of the things about owning cats is getting scratches/bites (unless of course your have them declawed <insert flame fest>). That's how they play/show affection.

 

[edro]

They are stabbing dust mites. Cats hate dust mites.

 

[Jeff7]

man im 24, and have been impartial to pets all my life. i always thought cats were loners and never paid attention to their owners. and i thought dogs were too much hassle and too dirty. i know im generalizing, but now that ive met a 2 year old cat/kitten that pays 100&#37; of its atttention to me. i'm in love.

All depends on the cat.
Some don't give a damn about your existence except for when they might be getting food.
Some won't allow you to leave their sight for more than a few seconds.

Watch those cat claw scratches. One of a little kitty's weapons against foes is infection by scratching. I didn't realize this until a co-workers husband got a nasty infection on his arm from a cat scratch from a neighbor's cat that had wandered into their garage. Clean the scratches well and don't let kitty scratch you if you can help it.

And of course, there's the fact that they effectively walk in their toilet, and they don't really have the means to properly wash/disinfect their paws and claws.
Fun things to think about.:awe:


(Also fun: You can only stop a cat from wiping its butt on your rug when you're home. When you're away...freedom.D

 

[BoberFett]

thanks i just looked up kneading. wasnt sure where to begin but now it makes sense. now i need to figure out how to soften his super sharp claws

We didn't want to declaw our cat because she was already 5 years old by the time we got her. So we use Soft Paws. They're fairly easy to put on and usually last a month or two. Now I only have to watch out for the hind feet when she gets pissed off and starts bunny kicking.

 

[shortylickens]

They are stabbing dust mites. Cats hate dust mites.

They hate flowers too.
Garfield always frolicks them to death.

 

[Newbian]

Just get some sort of scratching pad to trim your cats claws as it does that and prevents them from scratching furniture.

Well except for kittens as their claws are easily designed for killing.

 

[mjrpes3]

I love cats.

Fixed.

 

[thepd7]

man im 24, and have been impartial to pets all my life. i always thought cats were loners and never paid attention to their owners. and i thought dogs were too much hassle and too dirty. i know im generalizing, but now that ive met a 2 year old cat/kitten that pays 100&#37; of its atttention to me. i'm in love.

I'm more a dog guy but a good cat is definitely something to fall in love with. They can be very affectionaite and adorable.

Get a bunny.

*SNORGLE*

 

[slag]

You don't soften them, just carefully trim them to remove the point without going far too far and cutting into the quick.

What he means is, you get the front claws taken out or declawed. Hurts for a little bit, but the vet should give you something to help the cat with its pain, and its only in discomfort for a few days. It will, however, make them a permanent indoor pet.

 

[Newbian]

What he means is, you get the front claws taken out or declawed. Hurts for a little bit, but the vet should give you something to help the cat with its pain, and its only in discomfort for a few days. It will, however, make them a permanent indoor pet.

And the fact you forgot is cat's that get declawed tend to bite harder now to compensate their lower killing methods so best never to declaw at anytime.

Scratching pads = only thing used to scratch on from our cats other then the occasional hand shredding when you rub their tummies to long.

 

[Train]

Watch those cat claw scratches. One of a little kitty's weapons against foes is infection by scratching. I didn't realize this until a co-workers husband got a nasty infection on his arm from a cat scratch from a neighbor's cat that had wandered into their garage. Clean the scratches well and don't let kitty scratch you if you can help it.

Cat scratch fever. I've noticed sometimes when my wifes cat scratches me and breaks skin, it's sort of like a reaction to poison ivy or something, the area around the scratch can actually sweall up and itch for a few hours.

 

[Kreon]

My cat kneads too.

We would never consider putting anything on her paws, or trimming her claws seeing as she's an outdoor hunter kitty. 15 years old and she still brings home prizes .

To prevent the pain of the claws ripping my chest flesh apart, we just have some blankets near the couch and chair. When she comes up, we trow one over us and let her knead away.

 

[PingSpike]

The crazy part about cats is most of the scratches you get are just play scratches. When they're really trying, they'll lay you right the fuck open.

 

[rcpratt]

What he means is, you get the front claws taken out or declawed. Hurts for a little bit, but the vet should give you something to help the cat with its pain, and its only in discomfort for a few days. It will, however, make them a permanent indoor pet.

Please don't do that unless you enjoy abusing animals. It takes very little effort to keep a cat's nails trimmed and they're perfectly fine for indoors.

 

[edro]

The crazy part about cats is most of the scratches you get are just play scratches. When they're really trying, they'll lay you right the fuck open.

Yeah and I have the scars to prove it.

My cat is super friendly... until it got caught hanging upside down in the Christmas tree. Its foot got twisted in between the twisted light wires and it freaked out and started death rolling... making it much tighter.

When I tried to help her out, she was in panic mode and tried to attack me.
She was slicing and dicing my arms until I bear hugged her and spun her around numerous times to get her out.

Once the ordeal was over, she walked off like nothing ever happened.

 

[Newbian]

Yeah and I have the scars to prove it.

My cat is super friendly... until it got caught hanging upside down in the Christmas tree. Its foot got twisted in between the twisted light wires and it freaked out and started death rolling... making it much tighter.

When I tried to help her out, she was in panic mode and tried to attack me.
She was slicing and dicing my arms until I bear hugged her and spun her around numerous times to get her out.

Once the ordeal was over, she walked off like nothing ever happened.

Well for the cat nothing did happen but she sure taught her pet a lesson.

 

[Felisity]

I'm pretty sure it has to do with getting milk from it's mother...

This.

 

[John P]

It's not a defense/attack mechanism, and not all cats carry it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_scratch_disease

For the rest of the thread:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneading_(cats)

Scratch post/pads/toys help keep their nails in check, but really one of the things about owning cats is getting scratches/bites (unless of course your have them declawed <insert flame fest>). That's how they play/show affection.

Ah, thought I had read that somewhere. Thanks for the info.