What is the specific purpose of cats "kneading" the blankets or furniture before they lay down?

Question

My guess is that it's to fluff things up to be softer or to warm it up.

Answer 1

its an instinct from when they kneeded their mother to let down the milk. (like a human sucking there thumb)

Answer 2

It's a "love" thing. Kittens did this when they were little, they would knead on their mothers to induce milk flow when they were nursing and they associate that deep in their little kitty minds with comfort and pleasure. When they are snuggling in for a nap on a fuzzy blanket or something like that, they go back to that in their minds, a ritual they don't even realize. If they knead their paws when they are on you, it's a sign of love. They are happy and comfortable with you and they think of you as their "mom".

Answer 3

Cats knead soft objects (pilow, blankets, your lap or belly) in an effort to recapture those kitten feelings of well-being, comfort and security when they were still nursing at their momma cat's belly. It helps them to get sleepy. It is also a sign of dependency especially if they knead on you! They are saying, "you are my momma!"

Answer 4

No purpose, other than calming them. They do it because it reminds them of their mom, when they would knead around the nipple to get milk.

Answer 5

cats knead because it is comforting to them,when they are babies they knead their mothers teats to help with the flow of milk.whats more comforting than being cuddled up to your mom when you are tiny?

Answer 6

Same reason you fluff your pillow.... lol to get comfy ;)

Answer 7

I tend to agree with you. I think they are trying to make it more comfortable

Answer 8

its how they get milk from their mommy...its a sense of comfort and snuggling