Kneading is the motion that cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a pliable, soft object (such as a lap, pillow, or blanket). Not all cats knead, and not all cats knead in the same way; some will never push out their claws at all, while others look kind of silly, using all four paws to knead.
While not all cats need, it is a common behavior among both young and adult felines, so it is very likely that your feline companion may do it. Have you ever wondered why your cat kneads? There are actually quite a few different reasons. While your cat may knead and purr contently when being pet, there are many other reasons why he or she may partake in this strange behavior. Below are a few of the most popular theories.
Nursing Habit
Cats start kneading as early as kittenhood. Before they are even able to get around on their own, they begin kneading while nursing from their mother. A nursing kitten can be found instinctively kneading to help stimulate the mother’s milk production. Many cats will continue to knead well into adulthood because they now associate the motion of kneading with the rewarding comfort of nursing.
Affection
If your cat has ever sat in your lap and started to knead you, he is simply returning the affection and telling you that he loves you too. Unfortunately for us, this can be quite painful sometimes, especially if your kitty has claws. The happier kitty gets, the harder he will dig in. If your cat is prone to this type of behavior during cuddle time, try placing a thick, soft barrier between your cat and your lap. Never punish your cat for this behavior as he or she will not understand why they are being punished. Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed or investing in nail covers can also help with this problem.
Stretching
Cats love to stretch, especially after a long cat nap. It feels great to just kick back and get all those left over kinks out. Kneading is one of the many ways that cats keep themselves limber, until their next nap, anyways.
Bedding And Comfort
It is now believed that wild ancestors of the domestic cat enjoyed lying down on soft, comfortable surfaces to sleep and/or give birth to their young. By kneading tall grass or leaves, cats were able to create a comfy spot to lay down or graze in, and also check the ground for unwelcome visitors such as rodents or predators who might have been lurking in the foliage.
It Comes With The Territory
Cats are territorial creatures by nature, and one of the many ways they claim their turf is to scent-mark their belongings. By kneading their paws onto the surface of certain areas (a bed, a person, a pillow, a piece of furniture, etc.) they are actually activating scent glands that are located inside the soft pads on the bottom of their paws, thus marking the item and claiming it as their own.
It’s That Time Of The Month
Female cats are especially known for kneading their paws just before going into estrus (heat). Kneading acts as a display to male cats that she wants to and is able to mate.
Cats are unique and amusing creatures with a variety of behavioral traits, kneading is just one of them. Although the information listed above explain a few reasons why cats might knead, it certainly does not provide every possible reason. Some cats might knead because they are comfortable or content, others might knead because they were weaned too early as kittens, no matter what the reason, one thing is for sure, kneading is natural, instinctual, and a common cat behavior. It is also a great way for kitty to exercise his or her legs and claws.
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