Direct answer: Cats often knead because the movement is linked with kitten nursing and comfortable resting. Adult kneading can also prepare a resting place, stretch the paws and leave scent from paw glands.
A movement learned very early
Kittens knead around the mother’s mammary glands while nursing, helping stimulate milk flow. Many cats retain the movement into adulthood and perform it when relaxed or settling down.
Comfort, preparation and scent
An adult may knead bedding, another animal or a favourite human. Proposed functions include preparing a resting spot and leaving scent from glands around the paws. It usually indicates comfort in that moment, but purring and kneading can also appear as self-soothing when a cat feels unwell.
When the biscuits have needles
Do not punish kneading. Place a thick blanket between paws and skin, redirect to a suitable surface and keep claws maintained with cat-friendly handling. A marked increase combined with hiding, appetite change or other unusual behaviour is worth discussing with a veterinarian.
Sources and further reading
Sources support the general information on this page. CatMind AI is an observation tool, not a veterinary diagnostic service.
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