Why do cats like to step on milk?

Cats have a really common, but quite confusing, behaviour – stepping on milk. The cat keeps stepping on the soft blanket, pillow, or the owner’s belly with its front paws, and the movements are gentle and rhythmic, looking very enjoyable, which is stepping on the milk.

Interestingly, this behaviour can happen from kittens to adult cats. So, what’s the reason why cats like to “step on milk” so much? The behavioural name of “milk treading” refers to the action of repeatedly pressing the mother’s mammary glands with the front paws to stimulate milk secretion when the kitten is feeding. So, why do adult cats that have long been weaned still “step on the milk”? There are several reasons for this:

1. Think back to your childhood. Cats have great memories of their young ones and show it by “stepping on milk”. When they step on soft things, the feel and rhythm can bring them a sense of satisfaction like when they’re feeding, making them feel comfy and relaxed. It’s a bit like when people reminisce about their childhood, they can’t help but hum their old songs.

2. Look for a sense of security. For cats, stepping on milk is a way to calm themselves. When they’re feeling nervous, restless, or anxious, doing the action of stepping on the milk can help relieve stress and give them a sense of psychological safety. Just like some folks bite their nails or shake their legs when they’re anxious, cats have their own unique “stress response”.

3. Leave their scent. Cats have glands on the pads of their front paws that release substances with a unique smell. When they step on milk, these scents rub off on the things they step on, marking their territory. You’ll notice that cats really love stepping on blankets or beds because they see you as “one of their own” and want to include you in their “territory”.

4. Show affection. Besides marking their scent, stepping on milk is also a way for cats to show love and closeness. As they gently press against you with their front paws, the soft, rhythmic movements give off a relaxed, trusting vibe, like saying, “I’m chill and love spending time with you.” This behaviour often comes with a purring sound of contentment, which is sure to warm the heart of the person scooping them up.

5. Get ready for bed. Before settling down to sleep, cats often step on their beds or blankets for a bit, as if they’re doing “warm-up exercises” for sleep. This can be an instinctive way to make their sleeping spot more comfy and safe by stepping on it, while also calming their body and mind. It’s a bit like how people like to tuck in the duvet before bed and adjust their pillow.

So, how should we deal with cats’ milk trampling behaviour?

First off, don’t stop or disturb them, as this is just how cats are and they’re completely harmless. If you’re not comfortable, gently move your cat away or give them a special blanket. If your cat wants to step on you, you should appreciate it, as it means they trust you completely and see you as the “closest person”.

However, if your cat seems overly stressed or shows aggressive behaviour, it might be a sign of anxiety or restlessness, and it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up to rule out any health issues. Stepping on milk is a unique and interesting trait of cats, reflecting their attachment to their kittenhood, their need for security, and their closeness to their owners.

As owners, we need to understand and respond to this behaviour with an open and tolerant attitude, and provide the cat with a safe and loving home. And don’t forget that taking your cat for regular health check-ups can help make their lives happier and healthier.