World-Class Pet Care Resources
Kittens knead on their mother when nursing to stimulate milk production. The sensation of kittens kneading along a mother cat’s mammary chain causes more milk to come down into the teats for consumption by hungry kittens. It’s also thought to stimulate the hormone oxytocin, which plays a role in maternal bonding between a cat and her kittens.
Kneading can also clue you in to when your cat may not be feeling their best. Cats who aren’t feeling well may purr and knead as a form of self-soothing. If you’ve noticed your cat is kneading in abnormal locations (such as under the bed) or kneading a lot more than normal, consider your cat’s other behaviors. Are they hiding a lot? Has their appetite changed? If you’re concerned at all, it’s a good idea to contact your VCA care team to rule out anything that could be causing discomfort.
Kneading is a sweet behavior and one that usually means you’ve got a content cat, but kneading with claws out can be uncomfortable to owners and shred furniture and blankets. If your cat kneads with their claws out, keep their claws trimmed short to prevent injury to people and damage to your home. You can also redirect the kneading to an appropriate, designated kneading area using treats, toys and pheromone sprays.
Check out veterinarian-approved cat treats and pheromones. >>
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
