Why Cats Knead

1. Why Cats Knead You’ve probably seen your cat knead before, even if you didn’t know what it was called. This behavior involves an alternated pressing of the front paws into a soft surface, usually before your cat lies down for a snooze. Why does Fluffy do this, though? Learn more here from a veterinary clinic London, ON. Territory Marking Your cat’s paw pads contain scent glands—scents are released into the object that your cat kneads. In this way, your pet is marking her territory as her own. Preparing for Naps As mentioned above, cats often knead a surface they’re about to lie down on for a nap. Experts believe that your domesticated pet’s wild cat ancestors kneaded hard dirt or grass surfaces in the field in order to soften them up for themselves and their litters. This behavior could have been passed down genetically! Nursing Instinct Kittens knead their mother’s belly during nursing in order to stimulate milk production. It’s possible that your cat still associates the positive feelings of nursing with the movement of kneading! To learn more about your cat’s unique behavior, contact your vet clinic London, ON today. We’re here to help with all of your cat’s most important healthcare needs.