The definition of smurgle – as defined by the Urban Dictionary is: “A singularly feline display of affection. The kneading, purring, nuzzling, salivating that accompanies feline affection.”
Cats like to mark their territory. Some cats are rather possessive of their humans, and they'll often give extra 'smurgles' to their humans if there are other cats in the house that they feel might steal their human's love. Usually this happens with cats who are not the alpha of the household.
Kneading to convey comfort — Happy cats appear to knead to show pleasure. Cats often knead while being petted, or when snuggling into a napping spot. Your cat may also knead on your lap to show her love and contentment, and then settle in for a pat or nap. A stressed cat may knead to create a soothing, calm mood.
Cat kneading is often referred to as “making biscuits.” Other common expressions for cat kneading are “muffin making” and “making dough.” This motion occurs when your cat clenches their paws and moves their feet in a recurring pattern, flexing one paw at a time, and it looks like they are kneading dough.
Your male cat's kneading behavior is probably normal. However, if he has recently started biting you as well, this is a definite behavioral change you shouldn't ignore. Your cat may be in pain or under stress.
Humping is a natural behavior for neutered and unneutered male and female cats. Cats hump for a variety of reasons, most often for mating. But Dr. Janet Cutler, certified cat behaviorist at Cat World, mentions that stress and anxiety can also motivate your cat to hump everything.
“Kneading” is a common behavior in both male and female cats. The action is also referred to as cats making biscuits, happy paws, muffin-making, kneading dough, playing the piano or mashing potatoes. When a cat kneads, they will usually push down with their front paws, alternating from one to the other.
If your cat kneads on you, you can be assured that she's showing you her undying affection. Yoga cat – Kneading often accompanies something else that feels good – a stretch. Cats may knead on a surface to hold on to it while stretching their back, shoulders and hind legs.
Kneading May Help Mark You as "Territory"
Kneading can also serve as a way of marking territory, just like scratching does. Cats have scent glands in their paws, so both kneading and scratching provide ways to leave their "mark" for other cats to notice. This is why your cat may knead his favorite blanket or even you.
Female cats have an additional reason for kneading. They may purr, stretch, and knead the air while lying on their side to tell male cats that they can approach for possible mating.
The scent is mainly used for bonding as well as socialising, but if you notice your cat headbutt you, then turn their head to their side or tuck it down, it's likely that they're looking for attention. A cat headbutt is a great sign, it shows that your cat trusts you enough to be up close and personal with you.
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Chuffing—also called prusten—is the equivalent of a domestic cat's purr. It is a low-intensity sound that a big cat will emit in short, loud bursts. To vocalize a chuff, air is blown through the nostrils while the mouth is closed, producing a breathy snort.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
Regardless of why your cat is kneading, there isn't any real reason to stop him from performing this behavior. But if his nails are long, it may not feel very comfortable for you! To alleviate the discomfort of cat kneading, try placing a thick, soft folded blanket on your lap so you can't feel his nails.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones.
If their staring is accompanied by purring and kneading, they're saying they love you. So, don't be creeped out by the staring; you're being adored!
In general, cats prefer to be stroked along their back or scratched under the chin or around the ears. Paws, tails, their underbellies and their whiskers (which are super sensitive) are best avoided.
Does my cat want to spend time with me? Your cat might follow you into the bathroom simply because they love you and want to be with you all the time. Although independent animals, felines still form close bonds with their humans and your cat even misses you when you're not around.
Comfort. You may notice your cat kneading when you're petting them or getting comfortable in a spot on the couch. They may also specifically massage your lap to show affection and then take a nap. Massaging soft things can also help if your cat is stressed and needs to calm themselves.
Kneading is a type of behavior that expresses emotions of contentment and safety. So, you can infer that a cat kneading you means she is more attached to you than to your husband. You could recommend that he spend time with the pet.
Cats knead when they feel comfortable and content. Usually, this occurs in the presence of their special human. Some cat owners feel uncomfortable when their cat kneads directly on their body. Simply redirecting them to an adjacent but equally soft surface can make all the difference.
Headbutting and cheek rubbing are both social behaviours that are learnt and expressed throughout kitten-hood. Both are ways in which cats build bonds and affection with other animals and by extension, with the humans they do it to.
Your cat puts her paws on you to transfer scent
Depositing scent on an object or person is not really about marking territory, claiming possession, or dominating, as some people think. To the cat, it's about making his world smell like him – a smell that is familiar, comforting, and safe.