Feelings like anxiety or worry protect cats from threats and dangers.  For a large part, anxiety acts like a first-aid kit for the kitty.  A threat is seen, triggering the brain to release chemicals through the limbic system that effect the whole body.  However, if triggered too easily or lasting too long, emotional disorders can occur.

Kitty Depression

continue reading “Feline Emotional Disorders”…

If you own a cat, you know what kneading is.  For the rest of you, it’s when a cat seems like it is marching in slow motion, opening and closing its claws and paws on a soft surface.

Mo in the Kneading Mode

My middle kitty Mo (about 8 months old) is a notorious kneader.  Ever since we brought him home at only 6 weeks old, he as had an affinity for nestling up on our necks, taking his tiny cute little paws, and giving us this special kitty-massage.  Granted, with claws it is more like a gardening instrument being run up and down the foot – but it’s cute.

Why on earth would a cat feel the need to do this?

Long ago when cats had to find their own shelter (not unlike today), tiny nests were built in the grass and debris – like a crop circle but smaller.  They would flatten out an area of grass with their paws in the kneading motion to create a comfortable bed for themselves and their litter.

continue reading “The Mystery of Kneading, Revealed”…