Cats and kilts

**starbkjrus** · 5th August 06, 07:47 AM

We are cat sitting for a friend for about 6 weeks so this week we have been getting our cat and the visiting cat acclimated to each other. Last night I was reading through the "instruction book" that the visiting cat's staff sent with her and ran across this line:

"India is not one to scratch people or furniture and as a general rule only uses her scratching post. However, be warned that she loves to "knead" worsted wool."

I immediately ran upstairs and took my brand new XMarks kilt off the doorknob where I was hanging it to relax the wrinkles from shipping. Whew. Glad I read the "manual" on this one. :rolleyes:

**auld argonian** · 6th August 06, 10:40 AM

The kneading behavior (or "making muffins" as I have heard it called) is interesting...some of our old cats used to just knead us...on the lap, on the belly...if you were laying in bed on your stomach you would suddently find a cat kneading your butt at three in the morning.

I've always wanted to find out what the real motivation for the kneading and the wool chewing behaviors is...I've heard a lot of speculation and most of it sounds improbable. The possibility always remains that the only motivation that a cat has for any one of these behaviors is that he just enjoys being a pain in the ***...for a cat, that's enough.

Best

AA

**Wompet** · 6th August 06, 10:52 AM

Kneading stimulates the scent glands in the paws. So, in effect, the cat is marking you as its property. Which, as far as scent marking goes, it is the least offensive method I can think of.

**cloves** · 6th August 06, 11:00 AM

kittens do the "kneading thing" when they nurse too don't they? I had heard it was some sort of throwback to their kitten days, that when a cat felt most comfortable it was just instinct to do that behavior.

**smaughazard** · 6th August 06, 02:21 PM

My cats are fascinated by the swing of the kilt- I've even had a kitten grab a pleat and swing along. They're also curious about the fur-front sporran with its dangling tassels.

And cat hair sure likes my SWK Black Shadow…

**Southern Breeze** · 6th August 06, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

.
And cat hair sure likes my SWK Black Shadow…

Personal experiance tells me that's an understatement.

**auld argonian** · 6th August 06, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by Wompet

Kneading stimulates the scent glands in the paws. So, in effect, the cat is marking you as its property. Which, as far as scent marking goes, it is the least offensive method I can think of.

Speaking as one whose previous male cat marked the OTHER way once...I quite agree.

Best

AA

**Frank McGrath** · 6th August 06, 07:48 PM

Yeah.....my wife likes cats. the 2 of them have us. I try to keep my coset door closed, but the little b*****ds have learned to open it. I keep a lint roller in my truck for when I wear a suit to lodge meetings. Now I will be wearing a tux to lodge. Will have th hermetically seal the closet. Cat proof locks. Are there such things?

**auld argonian** · 7th August 06, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by Frank McGrath

Yeah.....my wife likes cats. the 2 of them have us. I try to keep my coset door closed, but the little b*****ds have learned to open it. I keep a lint roller in my truck for when I wear a suit to lodge meetings. Now I will be wearing a tux to lodge. Will have th hermetically seal the closet. Cat proof locks. Are there such things?

Gee...cats and tuxedos....where have I heard this motif before?

Seriously, Kmart or Target both have some great plastic garment bags that have side panels made out of some kind of Tyvek-like material that allows ventillation without letting in stuff like cats (or moths or their larvae). I have invested heavily...as to lint rollers...just give up and order in bulk...and keep at least one in the car.

Best

AA