Why do cats, even my declawed one, knead?

Answer 1

it part of their nature meaning they were born to do it cats even when you remove their claws the still feel the need to act like they have them but think now you can be massaged with out the claws although i am not one for declawing and animal.

Answer 2

I agree with the posts that say it's residual behavior from nursing. I don't think it has anything to do with whether a cat has claws or not...it is more that they are equating you with safety, comfort and satisfaction. And yes, it is funny...and sometimes a little disconcerting! I have a 9 year old larger male cat that at times can be a Kitty Jekyl and Hyde...but often enough he comes up on my lap, starts sucking at a piece of my blouse by my armpit...and starts kneading. He purrs so loudly, and just snuggles in...it really is cute!...(at least for a minute or two...and then he turns back into Kitty Hyde, swats at me and gets off!

Answer 3

It means a lot of things. My cat is declawed and she kneads when ever she can. Its really fun to watch cuz she doesn't have any claws in the front.

Answer 4

Mine is declawed as well in the front paws, and she kneads all the time. I think it is instinct, or habit. Maybe it is a comfort thing. Not really sure on this but it is funny to watch. :)

Answer 5

They do that when they are kittens to get more milk out of their mothers. Afterwords, it's just something that makes them feel comfortable. My guess is it has the same effect as running hands through your hair, or getting a massage, those types of things.

On a side note, my older cat Meowmi loves to massage (knead) my legs for half an hour to an hour each night when we go to bed. She purrs like crazy when she does it, so I know she enjoys doing it. I enjoy her doing it. It relaxes both of us.

Answer 6

Kneading is a behavior that starts when cats were kittens. Kittens knead their mothers to increase the flow of milk when nursing. So, when your cats knead, they are remembering when they used to do that to their mother. It is also a mark of happiness.

Answer 7

Probably for the same reason adult humans enjoy sitting in a rocking chair, curling up and sleeping in a fetal position and love comfort food. We always think of our mind holding memories but our bodies do as well. There is a part of us that remembers certain stimuli being comforting at one point in our lives and we find adult, socially acceptable ways of meeting them. It's much more acceptable for an adult to eat or smoke than walk around sucking their thumbs. An adult cat's mother wouldn't tolerate "baby behavior" from them so, they continue the behavior in the way they can express it.

Answer 8

I think it is psychological. I think cats knead because it's a comfort measure for them. It shows trust, love and fellowship with whomever they are kneading.

Answer 9

All of my cats and every cat I have ever had since I was little has done this (made muffins). I also had a Siamese that from the time I got her, when she was 6 weeks old, up until she died, at 16 years old, she would suck my thumb, while making muffins, like it was her Mama and then fall asleep with her tongue sticking out in a sucking position.
I agree that it also has to do with when they were babies and nursing their Mama's.

Answer 10

kneading is how as kittens they got their mom to "let her milk down" so it is a very innate part of cat behavior.. they do it when they are happy. They also have scent glands in their paws so some marking does occur too.