Why Do Cats Knead?
This Natural Behavior Has Many Possible Causes
If you've ever owned a cat, then I'm sure you've asked this question at one time or another, "Why do cats knead?"
It's a behavior that is fascinating to watch, but it can be annoying at times. Here is what I have learned about cat kneading.
The Cat Kneading Procedure
If you've never experienced a cat kneading, then you're really missing out. It's a pretty simple procedure, kind of similar to kneading bread. They'll stand on top of you or an object and press down one paw and then the other in a rhythmic fashion - kind of like they're marching in place.
Left paw; right paw; left paw; right paw; on and on it goes - until they've had enough or you've had enough. It can be uncomfortable because each time they press a paw down they extend their claws.
This can be somewhat painful if you're not wearing thick clothing, or if their nails haven't been trimmed in a while.
All cats purr while they're kneading and some cats drool too. It's like they are in a trance which they don't come out of easily - they seem to be in ecstasy. To get them to stop you usually have only two options - physically remove them or wait until they're finished.
Reasons for This Behavior
There are a couple of reasons why cats knead.
They knead because it's a carryover from their newborn kitten days. They performed this same motion on their Mother to get milk from her teats. And they continue to do it into adulthood - but in most cases they don't suckle.
Cats also knead to mark their territory and objects. You will often see your kitty jump up on a bed or couch and begin kneading. This seems to be an instinct that goes way back into their ancestry.
Mine especially like towels or any scrap of material to knead on - and once it's kneaded enough and scent-marked enough - then they can lay down and begin grooming themselves and go to sleep.
I believe that cats knead for both reasons. They have that carryover from kittenhood - which is an even stronger instinct when a kitten was weaned too early (before 6 - 8 weeks old). While at the same time they are putting their scent and claiming possession of the object of their kneading.
Cats Don't Care What I'm Doing
Cats have their own agenda. If they want to knead on you they will do it - no matter what you're doing. If I'm sitting in a chair reading a book - they'll jump into my lap and start kneading right under the book.
If I am laying down they will jump up on the bed and climb onto my stomach and begin kneading. If I'm laying on my side or stomach, they will climb onto my back or side and begin kneading there too.
Like I said, it can be uncomfortable if you're not wearing thick clothing, or if their claws haven't been trimmed in a while. But it can be quite soothing too. Seeing them so content and relaxed, and hearing their purrs is a great stress reliever.
I really feel that it's an expression of bonding and love when my cats knead on me. Of course it can be painful at times (and I often have to move them off of me). But I see it as an honor that my cat trusts me enough and likes me enough to choose me to bond with like this.