Cat kneading behavior is intriguing, heartwarming and very much welcome when it translates to a lower back massage after a long hard day.
Most domestic cats perform this funny little action and some even take it a step further and purr while they are doing it but no one fully understands it.
Sure, there's speculation that it's a precursor to sleep, it mimics human stretching and it's a sign of contentment, but there may be a lot more to it.
What is Kneading? Many people compare this behavior to making biscuits as the paws appear to be gently working or kneading the dough.
Some cats even appear to be in a bit of a trance while they are doing it as their head rocks steady with the body.
If you are unaware of what kneading is, it's the simple action where a cat alternates pushing down on one paw and then the other, alternating back and forth.
When the paw applies pressure, it opens its toes and if it has claws, they are exposed.
As the paw is lifted, the claws are closed.
Instinct Some suggest that kneading is nothing more than instinct.
Kittens perform this action on their mother's belly to stimulate milk through her nipples.
It's an instinctive and comforting behavior.
This is why you will often notice some cats suckling a pillow or whatever they are kneading at the same time, even if they are adults or seniors.
Territorial Could it be that your cat is claiming you, the arm of the couch, pillow, or whatever he or she is kneading? In the bottom of your cat's paws there are soft pads that house scent glands.
Some experts say that it only makes sense to think of kneading as a territorial behavior because some of their scent is released with each opening of the paw.
Therefore, they are essentially marking their territory in the same way a male dog does when he lifts his leg.
You could take this as your cat telling you that he feels comfortable and is content with you or he could just be claiming you like the fence post, porch and the pillow on your bed.
After all, you are just a guest in his home.
Sleep Time As mentioned, one of the most common theories behind kneading is that the cat is getting ready to sleep.
Think about your own routine before you fall asleep, you probably stretch, fluff your pillow, roll over, stretch again, switch sides, etc.
, until you dose off.
This could be your cat's way of rocking himself to sleep.
Ancestry Although your cat may have never stepped a paw outdoors, wild cats have always patted down leaves and grass to make a bed either when giving birth or to simply go to sleep.
The instinct of a wild animal will always be present no matter how domesticated they are.
Cat kneading behavior could be just an action showing he can be independent by making a safe bed to lie.
Most domestic cats perform this funny little action and some even take it a step further and purr while they are doing it but no one fully understands it.
Sure, there's speculation that it's a precursor to sleep, it mimics human stretching and it's a sign of contentment, but there may be a lot more to it.
What is Kneading? Many people compare this behavior to making biscuits as the paws appear to be gently working or kneading the dough.
Some cats even appear to be in a bit of a trance while they are doing it as their head rocks steady with the body.
If you are unaware of what kneading is, it's the simple action where a cat alternates pushing down on one paw and then the other, alternating back and forth.
When the paw applies pressure, it opens its toes and if it has claws, they are exposed.
As the paw is lifted, the claws are closed.
Instinct Some suggest that kneading is nothing more than instinct.
Kittens perform this action on their mother's belly to stimulate milk through her nipples.
It's an instinctive and comforting behavior.
This is why you will often notice some cats suckling a pillow or whatever they are kneading at the same time, even if they are adults or seniors.
Territorial Could it be that your cat is claiming you, the arm of the couch, pillow, or whatever he or she is kneading? In the bottom of your cat's paws there are soft pads that house scent glands.
Some experts say that it only makes sense to think of kneading as a territorial behavior because some of their scent is released with each opening of the paw.
Therefore, they are essentially marking their territory in the same way a male dog does when he lifts his leg.
You could take this as your cat telling you that he feels comfortable and is content with you or he could just be claiming you like the fence post, porch and the pillow on your bed.
After all, you are just a guest in his home.
Sleep Time As mentioned, one of the most common theories behind kneading is that the cat is getting ready to sleep.
Think about your own routine before you fall asleep, you probably stretch, fluff your pillow, roll over, stretch again, switch sides, etc.
, until you dose off.
This could be your cat's way of rocking himself to sleep.
Ancestry Although your cat may have never stepped a paw outdoors, wild cats have always patted down leaves and grass to make a bed either when giving birth or to simply go to sleep.
The instinct of a wild animal will always be present no matter how domesticated they are.
Cat kneading behavior could be just an action showing he can be independent by making a safe bed to lie.
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