Julia Albright, an associate professor in the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, recently addressed the question “Why do cats like to pat their paws on a soft blanket?” for The Conversation. Some cats shift their front paws back and forth just before settling down for a nap—a behavior sometimes referred to as making biscuits or kneading dough.
Scientists who study cat behavior call this distinctive paw action kneading and believe it to be a sign of a relaxed cat.
Albright explained how cats begin kneading, how the motion helps them relax, and how it may be a form of communication between cats and their people. Read the full article on The Conversation.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)