Why Do Cats Knead Their Owners Reddit

Whether it is cuddling with their human for some warmth and protection or using their tiny paws to knead their owners there is something utterly adorable about cats and their distinctive displays of affection.

Why do cats knead their owners reddit. Some people believe that adult cats knead things to make them more comfortable before a cat nap. Adult cats continue this behavior when they re feeling most relaxed content and loved. They also purr mostly when newborn when feeding or when trying to feed on their mother s teat. That s often when they re being petted on their owner s lap.

This might sound strange to you but it s an action that several species of animal undertake and even humans do it to some extent. This habit begins when cats are young and are dependent on their mother for food. This behavior is inherited by their ancestors wild cats who used their paws to soften the grass and large leaves where they found a space to rest. It is believed that their much larger ancestors will knead grass weeds and other areas smashing them down to make a bed.

A nursing kitten instinctually kneads to help stimulate the mother s milk production. This is also why some cats dribble when they knead. Cats also knead as a show of affection to their owners or their friends. Why cats knead blankets and other soft objects cats start to knead as kittens while nursing from their mother.

It is a technique cats use to show gratitude or excitement about something. As they grow older it sticks with them and they turn it into a way to show they are happy and content. It may press on your face or lap or on your warm clothes. Kittens knead their mother s stomach to stimulate the flow of milk from the teat into their mouths.

Cats also tend to knead pillows or their beds in order to make them softer and more comfortable to sleep. When they were kittens they would knead the mothers teet to make milk come out. Because of the action s maternal connection to the mother the behavior may be a communication of affection towards the cat s human companion. So it is possible that the instinct changes from a feeding movement to a sleeping movement.

Of course they are very happy and content while feeding. They expect the milk that would have come from their mum after kneading her stomach. Kneading may also be a form of communication between owner and feline. Kitten paws knead against the mother cat s breasts to induce milk to be released.

Another reason that a cat kneads is to essentially mark their human owner. If your kitten or cat has been displaying a tendency to knead you with its paws you may find yourself confused about the. Think of kneading as a distinct expression of adoration. Here are some of the more popular theories for why cats knead their owners and certain objects.