Why does a cat knead people with its paws? - briefly
Cats knead people with their paws as an instinctual behavior rooted in kittenhood, when they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, and it often signifies comfort, affection, or marking territory through scent glands in their paws.
Why does a cat knead people with its paws? - in detail
Cats knead people with their paws due to a combination of instinctual behavior, emotional expression, and physical comfort. This rhythmic pressing motion, often accompanied by purring, originates from kittenhood. When nursing, kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, a behavior that becomes ingrained and persists into adulthood. When a cat kneads a person, it often signifies a sense of contentment, trust, and affection. The action is associated with feelings of safety and relaxation, as the cat replicates the comforting experience of being close to its mother. Additionally, kneading serves as a way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, and the motion releases pheromones, subtly claiming the person or object as part of their domain. From a physical perspective, kneading helps cats stretch their muscles and maintain flexibility, particularly in their paws and shoulders. This behavior can also be linked to nesting instincts, as wild ancestors would knead soft surfaces to create a comfortable resting spot. Overall, kneading is a multifaceted behavior that reflects a cat’s emotional state, instinctual drives, and physical needs, demonstrating their complex and endearing nature.