Why Do Cats Knead

1. Why do Cats Knead ? If you are a cat parent, you must have caught your furr baby doing rhythmic pushing of her paws in and out at alternating times. It looks like kneading dough, that's why it is also called making biscuits. They generally do this against soft objects such as blanket, cushions or your lap. Although kneading behavior is not found in all cats, young and adult felines generally do it. They have their own ways of doing it – some use their claws while kneading where others knead with all their paws. Have you ever wondered why do cats knead? Here are some reasons behind their playful kneading habit. Instinctive trait Instinctive trait – It an instinctive trait which they have inherited from kitten- hood. Kittens knead their mothers' tummies while feeding. It helps to stimulate the mother's milk production. That's why sometimes cats dribble at soft objects, because they are expecting milk will come as it used to come when they fed. However, over a period of time, they knew that kneading doesn't provide milk, still

2. they don't refrain themselves from kneading because it provides them comfort of nursing. Making a nest Making a nest – As per another theory, kneading habit in cats may be from their wild history. Wild cats create their nests by kneading piles of leaves or tall grass. Kneading not only help them to create soft nest but also alert them from predators, prey or dangerous things hidden in the foliage. This is also the reason behind cats knead to your lap.

3. Making Territory Making Territory – Marking territory is also one of the reasons why cats knead. Felines have scent glands, which can be activated by pushing their paws in and out. The gland secretes pheromones in their paws when they get activated. They not only mark you as their own by kneading on your lap but also deterrent other cats to back off.