Why Do Cats Knead?
Cats are known to have a reputation of being the most difficult pet animals to read, but they have multiple ways of showing affection to their owner. Grooming behaviors such as licking their hair or eyes shows that a cat trusts that person. Cats are also very choosy when it comes to scents and one reason why a cat will knead you is that she is attracted to your scent and it makes her feel calm and cozy. Happy cats will also knead on something soft such as soft blankets to show pleasure. Your cat can also choose to knead on your lap to show her love and affection towards you. The thing with cats is that not all cats knead, however, it’s a common behavior for most cats to knead, both adult and kittens. While some cats knead and purr contentedly for a specific reason, other cats seem to do with no particular reason in mind. Here are some of the most popular reasons why cats knead on their owners and certain objects.
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Kneading During Nursing
There are many reasons why cats knead but the main reason is that kneading is an instinctive trait that’s passed from one generation to the other. When kittens are feeding on their mother’s breasts, they are going to knead at her tummy to stimulate milk production. That’s why you will find your cat sometimes dribbles while doing it. Your cat might also suck from a soft object such as a blanket or cushion, expecting milk to flow out of it because milk used to come out with such movements. You don’t have to worry if your cat continues to knead even after becoming an adult. On the contrary, this is a big compliment for you, because it shows that the cat feels happy, safe, and comfortable with you, just like how they felt with their mother.
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Making a Nest
The other reason why cats knead is nesting. This cat’s behavior has been passed down from one generation to the other. Wild cats will paw at huge hips of leaves or tall grass to create a nest where they can comfortably rest and spend the night with their little ones. Similar to how we fluff our pillows, wild cats will not only knead on the ground or piles of leaves to create a nest but also check on predators, preys, or dangerous things that might be hidden under those leaves and can pose great danger for her and her kittens. So when your pet cat kneads on your lap, it might be an integrated habit from their wild history.
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Marking Territory
Another common reason why cats knead is to mark territory. We all love to set boundaries between ourselves and this is also the case with cats. Cats are territorial creatures and one of the ways to safeguard their territory is by scent marking their belongings. By kneading their paws on soft surfaces such as blankets, pillows, and your lap as well, they are activating their scent glands in their soft paw pads, thereby marking that item as their own. By doing this, they warn other cats to respect her territory.
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Going into Heat
Female cats have an additional reason for kneading. She is going to start to knead when on heat and is looking for possible mates. She will start to purr, stretch and knead the air while lying on the side to tell cats of the other gender that they can approach her for possible mating. They may also display other behaviors along with this such as being vocal, displays more affection than normal, and wanting to go outside. However, if your female cat already wants to mate, she isn’t going to knead her paws. She will instead raise her pelvis with the tail on one side.
See Also: Best Flea Collar for Cats.
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Kneading to Stretch Their Muscles
The other reason why cats knead is to stretch their muscles, most probably after waking up from a nap. Cats are natural yoga masters and they love to work out all kinks left over from napping. Kneading their paws is one of the ways cats keep themselves flexible until the next nap.
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Kneading to Show Affection
The other obvious reason why cats knead is to display affection. Your cat will curl up and knead your lap while you are petting him to show you that he loves you and returning the affection right back. Haplessly, this can be quite painful for you because the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in with his sharp nails. To avoid this, try and place a thick, soft barrier in between your cat and your lap. Better yet, always keep your cat’s nails trimmed with nail clippers, or invest in nail guards that cover the cat’s nails. This way, both you and the cat will stay comfortable when she decides to knead on your lap again.
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Why Cats Knead: How to Stop a Cat from Kneading
Kneading might seem like an adorable behavior especially when your cat kneads on your lap to display love and affection. However, your cat kneading on your lap with her claws out can be quite painful and uncomfortable. She may also accidentally tear up blankets, scratch your furniture or irritate your dog if you are a multiple pet owner. To encourage appropriate kneading knots, try the following tips.
- Always keep your cat’s claws trimmed with a nail clipper to prevent sharp hooks.
- Encourage your cat to knead elsewhere, not on your soft blankets or furniture. You can also use a pheromone-based spray which is readily available in the market to encourage your cat to knead on a specific blanket that you have set aside for him.
- Redirect her attention by introducing treats and toys. Cats are easily trainable and you can easily train yours about the good and bad behaviors. Teach her a different behavior such as sitting on or chasing a toy instead of kneading on your lap.
- If your cat uses her sharp claws while kneading you can choose to invest in nail guards that cover those claws. Alternatively, you can consider placing a special kneading-only soft and thick blanket on your laps which will not only protect you from the sharp claws but also indicate to your kitty that she is only allowed to knead on that blanket. If you don’t want the cat to knead on your lap, you can gently place him back on the ground and distract her with a treat or toy.
- If your cat accidentally tears down your blankets, scratches your furniture, or causes you pain when kneading on your lap, never punish him. She will most likely respond aggressively and negatively if she is punished for her natural and instinctive behavior. Instead of punishing her, stick to redirection and distraction techniques that keep your cat’s trust.
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Why Cats Knead FAQs
Q: Is it Normal for My Cat to Knead?
A: Cats are mysterious creatures with strange habits. Kneading is one interesting activity that many cats do. While kneading may seem strange, it is an entirely normal activity for our feline friends. Some cats enjoy kneading more than others and will droll and glaze over while kneading on your lap or a soft blanket.
Q: Why Do Cats Knead?
A: Cat kneading also termed as making biscuits is a normal and adorable behavior found in most cats usually when they are in a good mood. It might be difficult to tell why your cat is kneading but, in most cases, cats knead when they are trying to show affection to their owners, marking their territorial boundaries, making a nest and when female cats go into heat.
Q: What Should I Do if My Cat Kneading on my Lap Hurts?
A: Cats knead on their owners’ lap as a way of expressing how much they love and adore them. Their ways of expressing their affection might however end up being wrongly felt if they knead with their claws out. If your cat has sharp claws, it will turn out to be a little bit painful and uncomfortable. If your cat is sinking its claws in a little too much, try putting a soft and thick barrier between you both that will act like a cushion or a blanket. By doing so, you encourage your cat to knead without getting hurt.
Q: Can There be too Much Kneading?
A: While cats often knead to show affection, a cat may also knead as a way to self-soothe because it provides her with great comfort. However, if you notice that your cat kneads too often, she might be bored or stressed. Try as much to spend quality time with her if she exhibits such behaviors. Play with her, brush and wash her or just hold her and talk to her as much as possible. By doing so, you will keep her entertained and she will feel happy.
Conclusion
Cats knead in much the same method any baker makes bread dough. Kneading is one of the most natural and distinct behavioral traits that many cats have. They should therefore be allowed to knead and not get punished for doing something natural to them. However, if your cats begin to knead obsessively, it might be a sign that something is amiss. In such a case, you should consult your veterinarian for help.
Related Read: Why Cats Purr.