I recently acquired a 6 month old MC type from the shelter. He's been a wonderful cat and has adjusted well, but he has one habit that I;ve never seen in a cat before. In the mornings, before I get up, he kneads and "nurses" on my neck. This isn't a problem, but I was curious as to whether anyone else's MCs or types did this, and what they know about this behavior.

Thanks,

Jamie

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Answers

My MC "type" did this every morning and night while I was in bed every day of her short little life until the day she died. I loved it. I still miss it so badly. She would knead, and burrow her head in my neck and purr. It was the sweetest thing. I wouldn't be surprised if she was taken from her mother too early as she had leukemia and the place where we got her didn't tell us. One tip - keep the nails trimmed. Maggie would claw up my neck if I didn't, but as long as I trimmed them @ once/month it was ok. And cherish every moment of it! My two "papered" MC's don't do this at all. (I got them because I loved Maggie's temperament so much!)

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2000

My Maine Coons name is Jack (Jack Plooming Tail if I must) and he does this to me all night and morning as well. He weighs 18lbs and I just roll til' he is on my back. Then I get the best kitty massage ever! It's relly not bad! I mean if they are going to make buiscuts at least get a massage out of it right? The purring puts me right to sleep. ENJOY! Your kitty loves you! Cats dont just make buiscuts on any ol'one.....it's sacred.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

Awwww, Jack Plooming Tail--I love it! My first "unpapered" MC-type cat was T.S. (Tail-o-Squirrel) Eliot--just Eliot for short. :)

I've known other cats who did the nursing behavior. It was always explained to me as being a result of having been weaned from nursing mom too early, but who knows? I thought it made for darling displays of affection. Even if it *is* sort of a programmed behavior gone somewhat awry, they certainly wouldn't do it w/a human they didn't feel strongly affectionate towards.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001