Cats

[ARSENAL]

When Cats sit on your lap, they claw at you for a while, and then sit down.  Why is this?  Also, why do they do a complete turn around before they sit down?  (or, of course, is my cat mental?).

[Jan B]

No,your cat is not mental! Cats claw your lap as it is a sign of affection. When kittens suckle they naturally press down with their paws to gain more milk from the mother. When your cat circles around on your lap this is their natural instinct to see if there are any uninvited creatures their ie snakes, insects etc.

Hope this answers your question.

[Narolines]

Cats are all mental! At least all the ones I've ever met are, and I love 'em all for it.

[ursula62]

I was told that this is what wild cats do to make sure there are no snakes in the nest - the pawing bit would be to stir up the litter in the nest (e.g. dry grass, dead leaves and other soft stuff used for next lining) so that clean dry stuff is next to their bodies when sleeping.

[freyabutland]

no your cat is not silly it is just getting comfortsble kk...

[gemmabe]

Yes, it's a sign of affection, they are in fact mistaking the comfort of your lap for their own mummy's tummy *bless*