Expert: Becky - 12/13/2004

Question
I have adopted a cat that I found in my neighborhood.  The cat is male about 1 year old.  I have had it declawed and neutered.  The cat has started a strange behavior.  At times when it is resting on the bed it will come up start kneeding me with it's paws and will bite my tee shirt.  It will be purring while he is doing this.  He will also do this in the early morning, around 5:00 am.  I will talk to him so he knows that I am not asleep.  He almost is in a trance when he is doing this.  

Answer
Hello Michael,

Your cat is showing his love for you.  The kneading is what kittens do to their mom while nursing.... as they get older, they do this as a sign of contentment.  I used to show cats, and I remember one cat that used to knead the air while being shown, he loved it so much!!!  My cats do the same to me, and I have to keep their claws trimmed or it hurts!  lol  
You should feel honored, as he is showing his contentment and love towards you, basically he is a very happy cat!

God Bless,
Becky