Why do cats knead? An explanation of evolutionary behavior
Have you ever watched your cat “walk” in place, using alternate paws to press down while in a deep trance state? This is called “kneading” and there are several reasons why cats engage in this seemingly strange behavior. Some cats like to knead on layers, blankets, or beds, while others like to knead on top of their owners. My friend’s cat would climb on his shoulder and start kneading. He thought it was the cat’s way of massaging his shoulder, but then he did some research and learned to reason why cats knead.
Kneading essentially resembles walking in place or crushing grapes with your feet. A cat will perform this unusual behavior for a variety of reasons. One of the most interesting and compelling explanations for kneading is actually evolutionary in nature. Kittens will gently use their paws to knead their mother’s teat to stimulate milk flow. This action is then associated with the positive, reassuring and relaxing result of gaining sustenance.
A cat may then enter a deeply relaxed and trance-like state. As the cat grows, he can knead any soft surface and in doing so get into the same “good place” he experienced as a kitten. So you can hear her purr in satisfaction as she kneads. Another explanation is that cats knead to prepare a soft surface on which to eventually settle. He also seems to feel good around them and exercises his paws. However, if your cat still has sharp claws, the kneading exercise can be painful if you do it on yourself.
Kneading is therapeutic for cats and they should be left alone while performing this behavior. Your cat just wants to relax and unwind, and if he gets involved in kneading your shoulder or lap, then he feels more comfortable around you and that’s always a good thing. There are other reasons to knead that are equally interesting. Check out some helpful resources listed below.
