cat kneading

[teagranny]

I have a friend who has a lovely Main Coon look-a-like beauty.  She is a lovely cat who only occasionally jumps on the counter. lol

She loves to cuddle and sit on your lap but has a habit of kneading, with claws out, when ever she jumps up she insists on purring as loudly as she can and vigorously kneading saying how content she is. I suggested to my friend she put a blanket on her lap then the kneading is not a problem but now during the summer a blanket is not practical.

Has anyone been successful in teaching a cat not to knead?   I had thought she would outgrow the behavior as she got older but she is over two now and still does it.

 

[Draco]

I doubt a person can teach a cat not to knead.. they're hardwired for it.

I suggest she trim the cat's claws so they're not as sharp. If a blanket is too hot, how about an old dish towel or something to cover that part of the skin?

 

[lamiatron]

agree with @Draco

Ask your friend to try clipping, or filling the claws. When my girl Jet kneads on me, she has her claws out too. clipping her claws really help.

Your friend could also try soft paws or claw caps. i don't personally use them, but maybe they can help her.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=kitty+claw+covers&tag=&tag=thecatsite

 

[thesighrye]

I agree, it's basically in a cat's genetic makeup to knead. It's something they learn very early in kittenhood.

Dish towel seems like a good idea, but I would agree with the suggestion to trim the cat's nails. They won't be that bad that way. Keep on it perhaps once a week, depending on how fast the nails grow. 

 

[teagranny]

thx