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They probably smell like you, especially if there is some polyester in them. It absorbs smell easily. Mine kneads my robe and a blanket I usually wrap myself with when it's cold.
It's just normal cat behavior. They all do it especialy as kittens. It is an instinctive thing.
Build or buy a scratching post. That still wont completely eliminate kneading on other things.
My cat is declawed because it always has been and will always be an inside cat.
It still goes through the motions of kneading even though it doesn't have frt claws.
Some folks don't agree with declawing. They think it's cruel. But it sure saves on furniture damage and any other stuff they might harm.
If your cat goes outside I wouldn't recommend having it declawed. It needs its frt claws to protect itself in case of danger.
Mine is always inside, 5 yrs old, and happy and healthy.
I wish I could declaw my kitten, he has torn up my carpet, destroyed my curtains, among other things. They have 3 scratching posts but seem to enjoy the couch and bed more.
I even spent $150 on a nice cat tower that they hate, I sold it a few weeks ago after 2 months of collecting dust.
A kitten/cat must be directed to the scratching post(s). Just because you have them doesn't mean they will automatically use them. Also, some like horizontal, others like vertical posts. Some like the siscal, others like just a rugged or matted post. Finding what is their preference can save your furniture (and them from being declawed).
The kneading acts you describe above are ones of comfort and happiness. It is a good thing and typical kitten behavior.
I'm a bit confused. Shouldn't the kneading part be a positive thing? My cat kneads me and purrs when we cuddle together. That's what they did as kittens when they tried to get milk out of their mother.
It hurts even if I trim her claws, but it's such a sweet act, so I always let her do it. Even if I end up having claw marks on my skin.
I find it unbelievably cute when she kneads my robe or blanket.
Frankly, I couldn't care less about my furniture. Even if she was to claw them.
Like Shelby, I also believe that you should experiment with scratching posts before traumatize them with something like declawing (which is with good reason banned in many countries).
I have been working with different scratching posts for months, I have used various ones such as the ones that utilize cardboard or rope, or ones that are carpet marerial. We have directed them to use it many times, I have visited many various cat forums to search for help but nothing has really seemed to work.
I might try the Paws things you slip over their claws, I don't want to declaw them since it's unhumane?
It is easier if you rub catnip all over the scratching posts. Mine run right to them when I get the catnip out. I buy online from www.CosmicCatnip.com b/c it is so fresh and smells so good. But even the pet-store catnip will attract a cat.
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