Why Do Cats Knead?

People may ask why do cats knead? Kneading behavior is when a cat pushes and pulls on a surface on which the cat is preparing to lie. They may knead a surface that is soft, such as a mattress, pillow, or even their owners. When a cat presses and pulls on a surface, they may bear their claws as they pull up on the soft material. Some cats will drool a little while they knead.

There are many theories about why do cats knead. The reason why cats knead is not known with any degree of certainty. Some people believe that cats’ kneading behavior is related to how they were weaned. Some think that kneading stems from being weaned too soon. Others believe it is related to being weaned too late. Perhaps the reason that people associate the kneading behavior with weaning is because kittens often knead their mothers while they are nursing.

Cats may knead just because it is an instinctual comfort ritual. Cat kneading can be problematic if the cat kneads with its claws. A cat owner may have concerns for the fabric of the item the cat is kneading. If the cat kneads with its claws while on a person, the claws can be painful and cause scratches.

It is possible to train cats not to use their claws while kneading. If the claws are used to pull at furniture or people, that cat should be removed from that spot. Some people use a light tap on the cat’s nose whenever the cat is clawing something or someone. Other cat owners use a spritz from a water bottle or bitter apple spray when clawing during kneading is excessive.

A more positive approach to stopping clawing during kneading would be to ease the cat out of the kneading position then rewarding the halt of the kneading. A cat owner could say “no” and place their hand on the cat’s back and encourage the cat to lie down with gentle pressure. When the cat stops kneading and lies down, the cat owner should give the cat a cat treat or praise.