Why Do Cats Knead? Cats are amazing creatures with many distinct behaviors. One of the more notable behaviors cats exhibit is kneading, where cats push their front paws against a soft surface such as a blanket or their owner’s lap in an in-and-out motion. Although this behavior may seem natural to many people, many remain curious as to why cats knead; this article will explore why cats knead and what owners should know about this behavior.
Kneading is an instinctive behavior for cats, and there may be various reasons they do it. We will examine why cats knead as kittens, and adults and how owners should respond to it.
Kneading Of A Knitten And A Adult
Kneading as Kittens
Kittens instinctively knead during nursing to stimulate milk production from their mother and ensure they receive enough to grow and thrive. This behavior, known as milk tread, ensures that their kitten receives sufficient milk. Kneading during this stage provides comfort and security to both mother and kitten alike.
Kneading as Adults
Even as kittens grow into adult cats, their comforting behavior of kneading remains. Kneading can bring back fond memories of nursing their kittens or can simply provide a relive that experience. Kneading can also be used as a way of stretching muscles and flexing paws before lying down for nap time; some cats will even knead on soft surfaces before lying down for their nap!
One reason cats knead is to mark their territory using scent glands located in their paws. By kneading, cats release pheromones which help establish their territory and communicate with other cats in the area. If your cat appears to be kneading a particular area such as a blanket or pillow repeatedly, this could be a telltale sign they’re trying to claim it as their territory.
Some cats may knead more often due to genetics, personality, or past experiences; for example, kittens weaned from their mother too early may knead more frequently due to having not enough time to develop their kneading behavior fully.
Various Reasons For Kneading
Cats are known for their peculiar behaviors, and one of the most endearing is kneading. As mentioned earlier, cats knead by rhythmically pushing their paws in and out against a soft object. While it’s a common behavior for cats, not all cats do it. Here are some various reasons why cats knead:
- Instinct from nursing: Kittens instinctively knead their mother’s mammary glands while nursing to stimulate milk production. As they grow up, they continue to knead soft surfaces, such as blankets, as it reminds them of the comforting feeling they experienced while nursing.
- Displaying affection: When a cat kneads its owner, it is displaying affection and returning the love it receives. Cats often knead while they are curled up on their owner’s lap and being petted.
- Stretching muscles: Like yoga masters, cats love to work out all the kinks left over from napping. Kneading helps to stretch their muscles and keep them limber until their next nap.
- Scent marking: Cats are territorial creatures, and one of the ways they mark their territory is by scent-marking their belongings. By kneading on surfaces, including their owner’s lap, cats activate the scent glands in their paws, which marks the item as theirs.
- Signaling for mating: Female cats may knead the air while lying on their side to signal to male cats that they are open for possible mating. If they are immediately ready to mate, they will not knead but instead raise their pelvis with their tail to one side.
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Kneading and Stress
While kneading is generally seen as a healthy behavior in cats, it may also serve as an outlet to relieve their feelings of stress or anxiety. Cats may knead more frequently during periods of increased tension to help calm and soothe themselves; if your pet is stressed out or anxious you may notice they’ve increased kneading behavior than usual.
Addressing the source of your cat’s stress and anxiety is key, since kneading alone may not suffice in providing relief from symptoms. Some ways to help make them more relaxed include providing them with a quiet, secure space where they can retreat, engaging them in play activities such as play fights or exercises, and using pheromone sprays or diffusers.
Kneading cats is often an indication that they’re about to settle down for a nap or sleep, making a soft surface more comfortable for themselves and making the spot an inviting resting spot. If your feline friend appears kneading one particular spot before lying down, that may be an indicator they’re about to nap!
Be mindful that some cats may knead excessively, which could damage furniture and fabrics. To redirect their behavior and safeguard their belongings, provide your cat with an acceptable place to knead such as a scratching post or mat for their behavior to take place. This may help redirect their behavior while protecting both of you.
Kneading behavior in declawed cats can be painful and cause behavioral problems. Declawing is an unnecessary procedure that may have lasting effects on their physical and mental wellbeing, so if your cat has been declawed and exhibits this behavior it’s essential that they be provided with a soft surface to knead on while monitoring for signs of discomfort.
If your cat suddenly changes his/her kneading behavior or displays other unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns. Kneading may also be a telltale sign of anxiety or stress for some cats and by treating this source you could help improve overall wellbeing.
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How To Stop Your Cat From Kneading?
Kneading is a natural behavior for cats that often indicates they are happy and relaxed. However, sometimes this behavior can become a nuisance, particularly if your cat uses their claws while kneading, causing scratches or tears in furniture or blankets. Here are some tips for stopping your cat from kneading inappropriately:
- Keep your cat’s claws trimmed: Trimming your cat’s claws regularly can help reduce the damage caused by their kneading. It can also prevent accidental scratches to you or other pets in your home.
- Encourage your cat to knead elsewhere: Provide your cat with a special blanket or cushion that they can knead on. You can also try using a pheromone-based spray, such as Feliway, on the blanket or cushion to encourage your cat to use it for kneading.
- Redirect their attention: If you notice your cat starting to knead inappropriately, distract them with a toy or a treat. You can also try teaching them a new behavior, such as sitting or lying down, that they can do instead of kneading.
- Provide scratching posts: Sometimes cats knead as a way to stretch and exercise their claws. Providing your cat with a scratching post or pad can help redirect this behavior and prevent damage to your furniture.
- Use a “kneading-only” blanket: If your cat insists on kneading on your lap, consider placing a thick blanket on your lap that is designated for kneading only. This will protect you from scratches and signal to your cat that they should only knead on that specific blanket.
- Avoid punishment: Never punish your cat for kneading. This behavior is natural and instinctual for them, and punishing them may cause them to become fearful or aggressive. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to encourage appropriate behavior.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your cat from kneading inappropriately and preserve the peace in your home.
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Conclusion
As previously discussed, cat kneading is a completely normal and healthy behavior exhibited by most cats. It serves as a sign of comfort and contentment and may even serve to mark their territory, stretch muscles or soothe themselves during stressful situations. Kneading should never cause harm or discomfort to either party involved; excessive kneading should be corrected quickly and monitored carefully if declawed cats have been monitored closely; for any concerns with excessive kneading behavior, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to make sure everyone stays healthy and happy!
