Cats start kneading before they can even see. It all begins with a hungry kitten.
Why do kittens knead?
Newborn kittens push their paws against their mother's belly. This helps her milk flow so they can drink.
Why do grown cats do it?
Grown cats keep the habit because it makes them feel calm and safe. That is why they often purr and knead right before a nap. Some happy cats even drool as if milk were on the way.
What is in their paws?
Cats also have tiny scent glands in their paws. Each push can leave their smell behind, telling other cats, "This is mine."
Why does it knead you?
And here is the sweetest part. When your cat kneads your lap, you might remind it of its mom.
Sources
- The Conversation (Julia Albright, University of Tennessee): Why do cats knead with their paws?
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Why do cats knead? (Or, the art of biscuit making!)
- Scientific American: Why Do Cats Knead like They're Making Biscuits?
- Boing Boing: Here's why cats make biscuits
- Live Science (International Cat Care): Why do cats knead?
- Countryfile (PDSA): Why your cat kneads you, and when it could signal a problem
- Lily's Kitchen (Rory the Vet): Why do cats knead?
- 1800PetMeds (Lindsay Butzer, DVM)
- Catster: When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes?
