Why Do Cats Knead?
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Cat kneading blanket
Ahhh! You’ve just settled into your favorite armchair to binge out on TV.But thenyour cat jumps in your lap and begins toknead on you.
This can be either a pleasure or a torture, depending on the level of enthusiasm and sharpness of claws.For that reason, you ask:Why do cats like to knead? Or do you say “Why do cats kneed?”
Luckily, we have some answers for you as you seek to understand why your pointy-eared pal needs (ha..ha)to knead their paws.
Let’s start by defining “kneading”
Kneading is when your feline pal starts flexing and pressing his paws into you. He rhythmically kneads your body as if “making biscuits” (that’s how some people refer to this odd behavior).
Well, just like everything else when it comes to our meow machines, “kneading” is different for every individual cat. For instance, Mowsie might use her claws, while Sneakers keeps his claws sheathed (keeping claws tucked away so that you don’t feel them). Some cats “make biscuits” before every nap, while others only do it once in a while.
Quite often, cats willpurr and knead. Sometimes they will drool a little or zone out, the mind is a million miles away. Mostly cats just knead with the front paws, while some get the back paws involved in the action too.
The biscuit-making could take just a few minutes before she quietly “loafs around” (get it?) in your lap. But some cats feel that “need” to “knead” for much longer, which could drive you up the wall.
Is kneading “normal”?
Cat kneading bed
Yes, kneading is a purr-fectly natural instinct andis deeply embedded in your kitty’s psyche.Believe it or not, tigers and other big cats knead the ground out in the wild. They do it to prepare a comfy place to rest (just like dogs turn in circles before lying down).Accordingly,this could be why your cat kneads a blanket, bed or your lap before taking a catnap.
Some positive “paws-ible” reasons why cats knead
Now, the only “tiger” in your house is your loveable house cat, who doesn’t live in the wild any longer. So, there are other reasons that might explainwhycats kneads on you, including:
- Leftover behavior from kittenhood.Kittens knead around the mother’s teat to stimulate milk flow and release oxytocin to keep the mother/kitten bond strong. As they grow up, cats may find the kneading behavior is a source of comfort.
- Expressing happiness and contentment.Likewise, cats purr and kneadto show affection while being petted. If your beloved tabby is getting a little too affectionate and/or using her claws too much, place a blanket on your lap to shield yourself. Alternatively, try turning her over gently and petting her belly.
Some not-so-positive “paws-ible” reasons why cats knead
Kitten kneading
- Feeling lonely or distressed.On the other hand,kneading might indicate your cat wants MORE affection and is feeling unsettled. Kneading may help your kitty adapt to changes like a move, death of a pet or even a new pet.
- Marking territory. And YOU are their territory! Interestingly, male cats may knead to activate the scent glands on his paws. Then they cover you with their paw-scent and claim ownership of you. This territorial behavior also applies when cats knead blankets or throw cushion.
- It’s that time of month!Female cats sometimes knead when they’re in season. It’s part of feeling “sexy.” Oh my…
- Potential health issue.It could be an issue if your cat has gone from not kneading very much to a significantly higher activity. Monitor this, it might be a reason for a vet visit to make sure it’s not a sign of illness or pain.
Want to reduce the “kneadiness”?
And so,now that you have a better idea ofwhy do cats kneadtheir owners or just some other object. The question is ; Why do cats knead me? Or do they Need me?
Plush blankets, toys and beds are good kneading material
Since it may beuncomfortable, painful or otherwise unwelcome, here are some ideas to help:
- Consider trimming your cat’s clawsregularly so they’re relatively short and aren’t so sharp. Many a cat owner has asked the veterinarian or groomer for help with this. (Let your cat hate THEM and not YOU!)
- Redirect your cat’s kneading targetto something like a thick blanket or plush toy. Consider bringing in ascratching station, mat, posts. or cat tree.When your cat starts toknead on you, gently place her on or near that object. Sprinkle some catnip on the object to entice her! Then hope she gets the not-so-subtle hint! (Note: It probably won’t be successful the first time – you’ll need to keep repeating!)
- Try using a calming or feline pheromone sprayto attract your tabby to her own cozy bed. These are easily available in your local pet supply store or online.
If your kitty is a good kneader and you enjoy it, the answer is obviously: Relax and let your kitty shower you with her comforting actions.
Ultimately, kneading is such an instinctual behavior that you probably won’t be able to stop it altogether. So stay paws-itive! Do what you can to ease the pain (to yourself) – and hold tight to the friendly feline love!
Banixx has yet to create a product that will stop your furry friend from kneading (should we work on that?).Butif he has any other issues, likeear yeast infections,wounds, skin infections,hot spots– GetBanixx Pet Carespray. We’ve got the pet-friendly products that bringamazing relief.
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Resources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_why_do_cats_knead
https://facty.com/network/answers/things/why-do-cats-knead/
https://thevets.com/blog/cat-kneading/
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/why-do-cats-knead
https://www.livescience.com/animals/cats/why-do-cats-knead
