Kneading behavior in cats is a reflection of instinctual behavior from the time of kittenhood. Kittens knead the mammary glands of the queen as a means of stimulating milk production (milk “let down”) through the release of oxytocin. I see this in older kittens and cats when they are content and are attempting to solicit attention. —John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB
Cats knead for two reasons. While settling down to rest, some cats will knead soft places as if to prepare it to lie comfortably. This may be from a time when vegetation would be knocked down to make a safe sleeping place. Kittens knead the queen to help with milk release when they are nursing. Kneading always seems to happen when the cat is comfortable. —Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, DAVBP (feline practice)
While we don’t fully understand why cats knead, veterinarians have a few theories. One theory is kneading cats are marking territory with special scent glands located in the paws. Another is that kneading is a lingering behavior from suckling. Finally kneading may be a form of stretching or it just plain feels good. —Ernie Ward, DVM
