Cat Kneading Behavior - Why Do Cats Knead?
Cat kneading behavior is always fasciating to watch. All cats do this this whole life. Many people have their own theries about why all cat knead so much and why it seems to give them so much pleasure. Here are 3 reasons why they might do so.
1. The first reason for cat kneading and the first reason most people give is because it stimulates the mothers mammary gland to release milk (via a hormone called oxytocin). This is a good reason for kittens to do this, but why do adult cats continue to knead?
2. The second possible reason is beacuse when the cat’s ancestors used to be wild they would often have to knock down and pack down grass in order to make a nest or a resting spot.
3. A third reason why might be right before sleep to simply stretch and as a ritual before they get ready for a nap.
What ever reason cats kneed, they do seem to always need a soft area, like a blanket or a sofa.
Many cats will often knead their human owners, perhaps as a sign of affection towards them.
The next time you see your cat kneading observe it more closely. Can you make a connection about when and where the cat kneads, and what the following action is?
Does your cat only knead one person in the house? Does it only knead a certain security blanet?
Observing and noting your cat’s behaivor can be great fun.
