Why Do Cats Knead Blankets?
Your “kneady” kitty has a perfectly good reason for the press and pull routine it performs on your favorite blanket. Rest assured, this baffling behavior does not warrant a call to the vet.
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Misconceptions
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It is commonly thought that kneading results when a cat is weaned too early or too late from its mother. Since almost all cats knead, this could only be true if the majority of the cat population missed out on the ideal weaning time.
Expert Insight
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According to Dr. Shelby Neely, a cat that kneads is a cat that is happy. This is evidenced by the fact that cats often purr and even drool while “making biscuits,” as kneading is frequently called.
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Function
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This front paw action is exactly what your cat did as a nursing kitten snuggled against its mother’s belly. The instinctive movement encouraged milk flow. Adult cats that knead soft surfaces are engaging in comfort behavior learned during life in the litter.
Function
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Mother cats often knead the sleeping area to make a fluffy bed for herself and her brood. Kittens learn that kneading is the way to a cushy cat nap, and employ the method throughout their lives.
Function
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Kneading is also a form of territorial marking. Cats have scent glands in the pads of their feet, and will paw and claw a surface to claim it.
Considerations
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Consider it a compliment if kitty decides to work its paws on you instead of a blanket. Kneading is the cat's way of saying you’re secure, comfy and someone nice enough for it to claim.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Tabby cat taking a cat nap on a pair of shoes image by mario beauregard from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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We have had many cats and they all did their kneading. But we have one cat right now that when he does his kneading he leaves the most awful smell on the blanket. When he kneads on my lap he leaves the smell on my clothes and it goes through and the smell goes on my legs. The smell is terrible. I'm glad to hear that they leave a smell through their paw pads and its territorial only so I now know I'm not going crazy. I feel bad when I make him get off my lap when he is kneading. How do I get him to stop leaving that terrible smell?
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I have been trying to find out (for the longest time!) why cats sleep "upside down"~ on the crown of their heads?
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I always thought it was because they left their mamas too soon
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and well because we want to lol.
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I that it was weaned too early and I've had many cats and never put it together.
