Why do Kittens do What They Do?

If you have a new kitten, you’re probably still getting used to all of the accessories that go along with cat ownership, like food bowls, cat treats, and of course the litter box (hopefully you have a supply of cat coupons on hand.) You’re also probably wondering why your kitten is doing all of the things she’s doing. Here’s a look at some kitten behavior and the reasons behind it. 

Why do Kittens claw so much?

Simply put, kittens claw so much because they do pretty much everything in excess! All of their waking hours are spent doing some sort of activity. They are very active and reactive. While it may seem that there is no rhyme or reason for the clawing, there is actually a purpose behind it. They mark their territory using a combination of visual marks left by their scratching (on the couch, the chair, and the drapes among other things.) The glands in their footpads have a scent that also helps them mark their territory. Some experts believe that clawing also helps kittens reduce frustration and stress. Kittens have special nerve cells around their nails that make them sensitive to pressure. This makes clawing a pleasurable experience for them, much to the chagrin of their owners. Clawing also helps kittens sharpen their nails and remove the outer dead nail. Scratching posts can help redirect your kitten away from your furniture and drapes; scent it with catnip and place it in a central area. 

Learn more more about cat behavior from an expert

Why do Kittens Knead?

Kneading behavior begins when kittens are nursing from their mother. They push against her belly, on either side of the nipple, alternating feet to encourage the let down of her milk.  Kittens retain this behavior into adulthood as a response to pleasure such as being stroked. It may not feel very good when your kitten is kneading on your tummy, but take it as a compliment. She trusts you and is content. If you want to save money on products by Tidy Cats you can use tidy cats coupons to start saving.

Why do Kittens Bite?

Kittens play with people as if they were other kittens. They chase, wrestle with and bite humans just as they do with one another. In some cases, a kitten may bite as an objection to the way she’s being handled and is doing her best to put an end to the human behavior. Bites don’t generally occur out of the blue; they happen when playing with your kitten or patting them for a prolonged period of time. Try to assess your kitten’s body language before interacting with her. If her tail is upright and she’s purring, then patting will be enjoyed by both parties. If however, her tail is twitching and she’s in an energized mood, it’s probably best not to touch her. As you and your kitten become more comfortable with each other, you’ll recognize the signs of what type of mood she’s in, and whether she wants to play or be left alone.