What does it mean when a cat kneads with its paws on the body? - briefly
When a cat kneads with its paws on your body, it is a sign of affection and contentment. This behavior often harks back to kittenhood, when cats would knead their mothers' bellies to stimulate milk production.
What does it mean when a cat kneads with its paws on the body? - in detail
When a cat kneads with its paws on your body, it is a behavior rooted in deep-seated instincts and emotions. This action, often referred to as "making biscuits" or "kneading," is a remnant of kittenhood and serves multiple purposes.
Firstly, kneading is a comforting and soothing activity for cats. As kittens, they would knead on their mother's belly to stimulate milk flow during nursing. This behavior brings back positive memories and associations from their earliest days, providing them with a sense of security and contentment. When your cat kneads on you, it is essentially showing trust and affection, treating you as a surrogate mother figure or a close companion.
Secondly, the action can be a form of marking territory. Cats have scent glands in their paws, and when they knead, they release these scents onto the surface they are working on. By doing this on your body, your cat is subtly claiming you as part of its territory, reinforcing the bond between you both. This territorial marking also serves to communicate with other cats that may come into contact with the scent, signaling that you are taken and protected by your feline companion.
Thirdly, kneading can be a prelude to sleep or relaxation. Cats often knead on soft surfaces before settling down for a nap, fluffing up the area to create a comfortable nest. If your cat is kneading on you while it is time for bed, it might be preparing its space and signaling that it wants to cuddle and rest with you.
In summary, when a cat kneads with its paws on your body, it is expressing a range of positive emotions, including trust, affection, and comfort. Understanding this behavior allows you to appreciate the depth of the bond between you and your feline friend.