Why do cats knead?

Answer 1

Here's a great web page that explains not only why a cat kneads, but why they do a lot of other things:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/whydo.html

Basically, when a kitten is nursing, it typically kneads its paws against its mother to encourage the milk flow (this is called "milk-treading"). In a mature cat, kneading is an indication of contentment and pleasure.

Answer 2

Cats Kneading Dough

Answer 3

Yes, jclog is right - it goes back to when they were kittens and kneading their mother's teats to generate milk. So older cats do it to show contentment like when they were kittens nursing. But it can also mean that they are wanting attention, e.g. they want the feelings of contentment they had when they were nursing. So maybe a cuddle is being asked for. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Ahh.... the great mystery of cat kneading.

Pay no mind to what the other people say .... cats knead because they are TESTING US to see how much we love them, and to see how much pain we are willing to endure!!! Somehow, they seem to know that their sharp, pointy claws are piercing our flesh .... and they LIKE IT! (They purr, don't they! See??? They are doing it ON PURPOSE!)

Actually, cats knead as a way of calming themselves, releasing kitty endorphins, and reminding them of when they were kittens and would knead their mom while nursing. It is really rather sweet and cute ... except for the OUCH part.

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Answer 5

Because they all used to be bakers who kneaded bread dough; they all worked themselves to death at this job. They still make the kneading motion with their paws because it is them reminiscing about when they used to be humans with rights; you think of thinking of your paycheck keeping you going at work; they would think of 'kneading the dough' even as they were falling asleep at night; hence the reason they make the kneading motion when they are preparing to rest.

Answer 6

One of our male cats does this when he's gettingn ready to lay down. He'll knead the spot for about a minute and then lay down. He'll also do it when he gets ready to lay down on your lap.....ouch!

Answer 7

my cat kneads because his on some good maryjane :)

Answer 8

It comforts them - reminding them of when they were nursing from their mom. I love watching them do this - each has their own individual pattern of doing it, like where their paws go and how they stretch. Our current cat's eyes get all strange with her ears a little back.

Answer 9

My cat kneads on my legs...ouch.

Answer 10

its also called knitting and its the action they do to their mothers when encouraging milk production as small kittens, it will stick with them eternally as a pleasure sign though females will also knit furiously in the pain of giving birth as well.