Why do cats knead?

Answer 1

When a kitten suckles, it will knead its mother's stomach with its tiny paws to stimulate the milk flow. This "milk-kneading" (as it is called) is done at a slow pace of about 1 stroke every 2 seconds. And the little kitten purrs loudly while kneading.

Answer 2

Affection

They knead their mothers when nursing. They keep that trait when they grow up. It's a way of expressing love.

(Quoted)
Some cats are so "kneady." They push and pull their paws in and out on soft surfaces like the bedspread, the carpet, their beds – even you. Sometimes this is accompanied by a bit of drooling. Your kitty may look absolutely contented during such episodes and may even purr.

Several theories exist for the behavior. Some people think it stems from them being weaned too young. Some think it is because they were weaned too late. The most logical explanation, however, is that it's simply a comfort behavior that cats remember from when they are babies. Nursing kittens use similar paw and arm movements to stimulate milk flow from their mothers' breasts. Momma cat also kneads the sleeping area to create a nice soft surface for her and her kittens. Whatever the precise reason for kneading, one thing is for sure: A kneady cat is a happy cat.

Kneading is a sweet behavior to watch, but it can be painful if your cat is in the habit of kneading with its claws bared. Kittens knead with their claws retracted because their moms wouldn’t allow it any other way. You can train your kitty to knead with claws retracted, too, by gently tossing him off your lap when he uses his claws, and praising him when he kneads gently without using his claws. Or you could just put a nice thick blanket on your lap and relax.

Kneading is a sign that your cat is happy, comfortable and relaxed. You should feel proud if your cat deems you worthy of sharing this pleasure and it’s your cat’s way of saying he's glad you are there. It’s nice to be kneaded!

Answer 3

Like others have said here, they knead as kittens when they are nursing. It helps stimulate the flow of milk. When they are older, cats knead because it brings back the comforting feelings of nursing. It is generally a sign of contentment.

Answer 4

I agree about the milking thing. My kitten every morning comes into my room and gets in my face, kneads the blanket and proceeds to suck on it for a while. This will continue for about 20 minutes as she moves from spot to spot. Sorta annoying at 4am but it is funny. :- )

Answer 5

It is a sign of affection, held over from their days as kittens. Cats also possess scent glands in their paws and through kneading the cat is spreading his/her scent onto you, not for possessive reasons, but as a way of maintaining a bond. Cats assume that our sense of smell is as accute as theirs, and so scent-sharing as a form of affection for a cat is akin to a human scratching a cat's chin or behind the ears.

Answer 6

Cats knead because they are showing their effection towards you.

Answer 7

I've heard cats knead with their paws when they're happy...

Answer 8

Kittens do it when they are babies getting milk from their mother. However when they are grown and doing it then that means it is a sign of comfort and trust.

If a cat is sucking on blankets and such that means they were weaned from the mother too soon.

Answer 9

It's called "milk-treading" and comes from when they were kittens. When you relax and sit quietly, you're giving the cat the same signal he got from his mother letting him know she was ready to let him suckle.

When older cats behave this way, it means that they are happy and content.

Answer 10

well, cats knead to try and soften their beds or to make them more comfprtiable, or they are sharpening their claws