Sudden kneading...

[Soledad]

Ever since Boo has moved to Washington D.C. he's become a HUGE kneader. He almost never did it before, but now he's constantly sitting on me and kneading my arms, legs, stomach, etc.

Do you think this could mean he's stressed out?

[Nomilynn]

Maybe he's just happy that you are home all day to be with him Does he purr while he's doing it too?

[Soledad]

Sometimes he purrs, but mostly it just seems sort of compulsive. I'm a little worried about the Boo these days, so maybe I'm just being extra sensitive. I'm worried about his transition from outdoor/indoor to indoor only. I keep thinking that I'll need to get him a little girlfriend once I get a job and am out all day.

I want her!!!

[Miss Meow]

Oh my god, she is the girl version of Boo! You should get her and call her Betty, then you'll have Betty Boo!

Welcome back

[Soledad]

Betty and Boo!! It's too purrfect!!

I will be calling in on them on Monday.

And thanks for the welcome back.

[Miss Meow]

Good luck on Monday

By the way, our cats knead sometimes when I pet them and they're really relaxed. They seem to revert to their kitten selves and go into a dream state when they used to knead their mummy's belly for milk. Boo might be kneading you to assure himself that you're still around for him after the unsettled period he's had???

[IttyBittyKitty]

I've always thought that kneading is a good thing! Cats only do it when they trust you, are relaxed, and are feeling happy! Perhaps it means that for Boo, he's happy that all the stressful moves and stuff are over with.

Welcome back!

[Cataholic]

Soledad, it is good to see you back.

As to the kneading, I am of the opinion it means several things, and the one I think relevant here is for security/comfort. I don't doubt Boo has been stressed by the events of late. He might be kneading to bring about a sense of calmness that he might not otherwise be feeling. I think by giving him extra love, trying to stay in a routine, extra interaction, and he will pull through. As a human, you had a ton of transistion. Imagine him as a kitty, going through the same thing, and not quite understanding it the same. Pretty traumatic. As goofy as this sounds, have you tried mentally connecting with him, using images instead of words, to let him know what is going on/has gone on? I have had people swear by it...and also, the feliway stuff, might be worth a try.

You all have been through so much. And, best of all, Boo is with you! Maybe a picture or ten would help us here at PT!!!

[Soledad]

Thanks for the input, guys. It seems to make sense that he's stressed and is reverting a bit. Do you think, then, that this would be a bad time to introduce another cat to the house? Would it be too stressful for him??

[Cataholic]

You know, Soledad, I wanted to address that point with you, but, the last time I questioned someone introducing a kitty, I lost a few friends....but, since you brought it up, I think now might be a bad time to introduce a new kitten. Maybe in a few months Boo would be more receptive??

[RedHedd]

I agree with Cataholic -- Wait a bit before getting Betty for Boo (too cute combo there!). As for the kneading, all that's been said makes sense. Boo's been through a stressful move and is reverting back to kittenhood security/kneading. I always wonder where their little fuzzheads go when they're kneading -- Mitzi gets this far-away dreamy look in her eyes. She kneads me all the time - it's so sweet to be "kneaded" by a cat.

[Edwina's Secretary]

When I have been gone on a trip Edwina always become velcro kitty when I return. On me like white on rice. In my lap and kneading......following me, talking to me.

I think Boo missed you and loves you and is VERY happy to have you back!

[jenluckenbach]

Welcome back. How is married life?


I'd like to give an alternative view point about finding a friend for Boo:
Since your D.C. home is fairly new to Boo, he may have not staked claim on it yet, at least not 100 %. Possibly brining a new cat in NOW would allow the 2 cats equal footing to starting a new relationship. (kind of like meeting on neutral ground). I am torn on the 2 points of view (now vs. later), and since no one knows your Boo like you do, I do not actually have an opinion. This is just allowing you to see the other side of the equation.

[Soledad]

I could use as much advice as possible on the issue of introducing another cat. I appreciate anything you guys can tell me pro or con, because I want to do the best for Boo.

My reasoning for getting a kitten now is that I am not employed, so I would have lots of time to spend with them and get them settled in. I was also concerned that Boo will get bored/depressed when I do get a job since he was used to being an indoor/outdoor in NZ where he had lots of stimulation and kitty kat friends.

P.S. Married life is pretty much the same, that is to say, very good!

[jenluckenbach]

Well, I do like the idea of being at home a lot during an introducton. It is certainly by no means necessary, but it should speed up the process. (reason being, when you intro a new cat and need to leave them unsupervised your best bet is to separate them. Being at home lets them be separated less of the time. SEE?)