Why Do Cats Knead While Purring

It s essentially a sign of happiness in cats.

Why do cats knead while purring. The reason it s called kneading is that the motion is somewhat similar to the process of kneading dough. Sometimes the movement of the paw is just a slight curl while other cats energetically lift their paws up and down as if parading in place. As kittens a cat will press on the area around the mother cat s teats to stimulate the flow of milk. They may purr stretch and knead the air while lying on their side to tell male cats that they can approach for possible mating.

This is why you ll often find your cat purring while kneading. Many cats purr while kneading. A cat will usually knead by pushing their front paws into a soft object altering pressure between the paws. Their ancestors did this with tall grass or leaves.

One reason cats knead is to make a soft bed or clear a space to doze. As a result the paws release a unique scent. Female cats have an additional reason for kneading. When cats knead they also purr signaling that the repetitive motion and the sensation of their paws on something soft brings them contentment.

But experts believe they do this because it connects the motion of kneading to the motion they used when nursing as a kitten. Sometimes it hurts. Other theories on why cats knead similar to the theory about how dogs dig in their beds as a natural denning instinct it s believed that cats also might have used kneading in the wild to help soften dirt or pat down leaves for comfy sleeping quarters. You may also notice your kitten kneading and biting the object they knead against for this same reason.

However if they are immediately ready to mate they will not knead their paws and will instead raise their pelvis with the tail to one side. The common association between the two behaviors may indicate the origin of kneading as a remnant instinct. They also purr mostly when newborn when feeding or when trying to feed on their mother s teat. When your cat is sitting on your lap and getting pets and scratches they are probably purring as well and maybe even kneading your leg or a blanket.

During the process the cat feels entirely contented and relaxed. It could be a blanket a pillow or a part of your own body. They do it with your jeans.