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Have you ever noticed your cat pawing the floor after eating? This behavior might seem strange, but rest assured, there’s nothing wrong with your feline friend. In fact, it’s actually a natural instinct that cats share, even with their wild relatives. In this article, let’s explore with BEACONPET why cats engage in this behavior and what you can do if you find it bothersome. So, let’s dig in and uncover why your cat paws the floor after eating!
What Is Floor Pawing in Cats?
Instinctive Behavior
The behavior of floor pawing in cats is instinctive, meaning that it is a natural behavior that cats are born with. Cats often scratch, paw, or knead the ground around their food bowl before or after eating. This behavior is not something that they learned from their mother but rather an innate instinct. It is important to note that this behavior is completely normal and there is nothing wrong with your cat if it exhibits this behavior.
Extreme Behavior
While some cats may engage in mild floor pawing, others may take this behavior to the extreme. This can involve spending a significant amount of time scratching at the floor or kneading the carpet around their food bowl. In some cases, cats may even drag objects such as towels on top of their food bowls. This extreme behavior is still a natural instinct for cats, but it may be bothersome or disruptive for their owners.
Dragging Objects
One interesting aspect of floor pawing is that cats may also engage in dragging objects over their food bowls. This behavior is reminiscent of food caching, which is a protective measure commonly employed by cats in the wild. By dragging objects over their food bowls, cats are instinctively attempting to hide or protect their food from scavengers or predators. While this behavior may seem unusual in a domestic setting, it is important to remember that cats are still driven by their natural instincts.
Caching, Protecting, or Disposing of Food
Protective Measure in the Wild
In the wild, feral cats often bury their food remains as a protective measure to prevent their enemies from tracking them. By burying their food, the smell is minimized, which reduces the risk of attracting scavengers or predators. Additionally, female cats may bury their food to help protect their kittens from other cats. Unneutered male cats may also mark their territory with urine to warn other predators to stay away. This behavior is natural and necessary for survival in the wild.
Food Caching in Big Cats
The instinct to cache and protect food is not unique to domestic cats. Big cats, such as leopards, are well-known for their food caching behaviors. They store their food high up in trees to keep it away from other predators, such as lions or hyenas. Even the North American bobcat exhibits similar protective measures by covering the remains of its kill with debris to hide it from other animals. These examples highlight how food caching is a natural behavior seen across different species of cats.
Food Caching by Domestic Cats
Some domestic cats may exhibit a form of food caching by scratching at or burying their food or other items they dislike. This behavior is similar to how cats bury their waste in a litter box or on the ground. By burying their food, cats have a way to “disappear” by getting rid of their waste. Additionally, cats often sleep where they eat, so burying waste can be a way of “tidying” their personal space. While this behavior may seem strange for a cat with no threat to their food, it is important to remember that it is a natural instinct and is simply part of their behavior repertoire.
Kneading the Floor
Sign of Pleasure
Kneading is a behavior often associated with cats and kittens. It involves gently alternating their paws, much like a person giving a back rub. Kneading is a sign of pleasure and contentment for cats. When a cat kneads its paws, it may be indicating that it is anticipating a pleasant experience, such as eating a meal. Kneading is more likely to occur if the area surrounding the food bowl is soft, such as a carpet or rug.
Anticipating a Pleasant Experience
Cats may also knead the floor before or after eating as a way of anticipating a positive experience. This behavior is similar to how humans might eagerly prepare a meal or set the table before enjoying a delicious feast. For cats, kneading the floor can be a way to mentally and physically prepare for a satisfying meal. It is another example of a natural instinctive behavior that cats display.
How to Stop Your Cat from Pawing or Kneading the Floor
Place Food on a Hard Surface
One way to discourage your cat from pawing or kneading the floor is to place its food on a hard surface. This can be done by using a food mat or placing the food bowl on a countertop or tray. By providing a hard surface, there is less opportunity for your cat to engage in these behaviors. Additionally, it can make cleanup easier as any mess created by pawing or kneading is contained on the hard surface.
Stay with Your Pet While Eating
Another effective strategy is to stay with your cat while it is eating. By being present, you can redirect its attention if it starts to paw or knead the floor. This can be done by gently petting your cat or engaging it in play to distract it from the behavior. The presence of a human companion can provide a sense of security and comfort for your cat, reducing the need for pawing or kneading.
Remove the Food Bowl After Eating
Once your cat has finished eating, remove the food bowl from its reach. Leaving the empty food bowl out can be a trigger for pawing or kneading behavior. By removing the bowl, you eliminate the opportunity for your cat to engage in these behaviors. Additionally, it can help in preventing any mess or damage that may occur if your cat continues to paw or knead the empty bowl.
Distract with Toys or Games
If your cat begins to paw the floor, you can distract it with toys or games. Offer your cat a favorite toy or engage it in a play session to redirect its attention away from pawing. This can help in breaking the cycle of pawing behavior and provide a more appropriate outlet for your cat’s energy and instincts.
Avoid Free Grazing
Free grazing, which involves leaving dry cat food out for your cat to eat at any time, can be a contributing factor to pawing behavior. Cats may engage in pawing or kneading as a means to signal their desire for food or to seek attention. By implementing scheduled feeding times and portion control, you can help reduce these behaviors. This also has the added benefit of promoting a healthier eating pattern for your cat.
Do Not Punish
It is important to avoid punishing your cat for pawing or kneading behavior. Punishment can create fear and anxiety in your cat, potentially leading to more problematic behaviors. Additionally, punishment is not effective in modifying natural instinctual behaviors. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by rewarding your cat for appropriate behaviors and providing alternative outlets for its energy and instincts.
In conclusion, floor pawing and kneading behaviors in cats are instinctive and natural. Cats engage in these behaviors as a way to cache, protect, or dispose of their food, as well as to signal pleasure and anticipation. While these behaviors may be bothersome or disruptive for owners, there are strategies to manage them effectively. By understanding the reasons behind these behaviors and implementing appropriate alternatives, you can create a positive and harmonious environment for both you and your cat.
