What does purring during kneading indicate?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.If they are purring at the same time, it is usually a sign of deep contentment, reminiscent of the sweet kitten-mother bond, and they will readily become immersed in that state of ambivalence. However, sometimes they will purr while kneading, and it is actually a sign of self-comfort during stress. That's why it is essential to pay attention to context and body language.
Purr-kneading contentment is characterized by relaxed limbs and half-closed eyes, evoking memories of nursing from kittenhood. I have watched a cat maintain this for ten or fifteen minutes before going sound asleep. You can tell a stress purr by the tight shoulders and sudden stop; the sound is likely to be reed-like instead of rich.
Breathing Patterns
- Slow, even breaths indicate contentment
- Shallow rapid breaths signal anxiety
Paw Pressure
- Gentle pushes show relaxation
- Claw-extended digging means tension
Duration Patterns
- Gradual wind-down suggests satisfaction
- Abrupt stops indicate overstimulation
For content purring, offer gentle chin scratches. Avoid giving full-on tummy rubs here, since your cat may get overstimulated. For stress purring, give your kitty space - don't try to engage with it and avoid scolding; it's a sign that your cat needs to alleviate stress.
Track their patterns with a behavior journal, paying attention to how long it lasts, what triggers it, their body language, and other relevant details. Most of the time, cats will display the same sort of behaviour when in similar situations. My tabby, for instance, will only stresspurr during thunderstorms. You're helping them be happier, and you're also strengthening your bond with your cat.
Read the full article: 5 Fascinating Reasons Behind Cat Kneading Behavior
