Why Cats Knead Surfaces

1. Why Cats Knead Surfaces If you own a cat, you’ve probably seen them knead before. This term refers to your cat pressing her front paws into a soft object, like a blanket or pillow, in an alternating fashion. Have you ever wondered why Fluffy does this? Learn more below from a veterinarian Derby. Napping Prep You’ve probably seen your cat knead a surface before napping. It’s thought that large cats in the wild knead dirt or grass surfaces to soften them up a bit for themselves or their litters. Perhaps this behavior has trickled down to your domesticated cat! Nursing Instincts Kittens often knead their mother’s belly during nursing, which is thought to stimulate milk production. It’s possible that your adult cat associates the action of kneading with the comforting sensations of the nursing period. Scent Marking Cats’ paw pads contain scent glands which release scents into objects that your cat kneads. So, Fluffy is marking her territory when she kneads things, whether it’s a pillow or your leg! It’s your cat’s way of marking you as her very own. Would you like to learn more about your cat’s unique behavior? Does your pet need a veterinary checkup? Call your vet clinic Derby today.