Why Do Cats Knead?

June 21, 2021

Since the moment kittens are born, they know instinctively that in order to get fed, they have to knead their mother’s breast. This action stimulates the milk glands. Snuggling up to momma and getting fed creates memories of comfort, happiness and security. So your cats continue to demonstrate this behaviour long into adulthood.

Cats love to knead a soft blanket or soft furnishings and some will knead your lap before settling down to sleep. They get into this behaviour so much that they can’t help but purr loudly when performing this action. Some cats will drool excessively and drift off into some kind of dream state. 

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, kneading is a perfectly normal behaviour. Here are some other reasons why your cat loves to knead:

Kneading is comforting – as a sign of contentment, like when you’re giving your cat lots of love, they may display their approval by kneading and purring. 

Kneading before napping – like dogs who spin around in circles when creating a nest, cats will knead a soft area right before taking a nap. It’s almost a meditative gesture that prepares them to lull into a happy cat nap. This is an instinct left over from their early ancestors who would knead an area of grass to bed it down and make it perfect for sleeping.

Kneading to relieve stress – because of the association with their mother and the feelings of great comfort, cats who are stressed or anxious might knead to soothe and calm themselves down. 

Kneading to mark territory – knowing that they have scent glands in their paws, cats will use them to scratch and mark their territory. Kneading essentially does the same thing as scenting the area as a warning or a reminder to other cats to stay away.

If your cat is wrecking the furniture with their kneading or if you can’t take the pain anymore from them kneading your lap, designate a soft, plush blanket for your cat to knead and snuggle with. Place it on your lap to protect your legs. Never admonish your cat for kneading as this could result in aggressive behaviour.