What is kneading?

Cat kneading occurs when your cat alternately reaches its paws in and out. The movement is similar to the process of someone kneading bread with their hands, hence where cat kneading got its name.

Why do cat’s knead

In our previous article, Why do cat’s knead, we explained the main reasons why cat’s knead. In this article, we will cover why cat particularly like to knead fabric.

Why do cats knead fabric?

Cats like to knead fabric, and other soft surfaces life blankets and pillows, because it resembles the texture of their mother’s stomach during nursing. When kittens are drawing breast milk from their mother, they knead their mother’s stomach. This process of kneading their mother’s stomach helps increase the mother’s milk production.

Although your cat is no longer seeking milk, your cat is likely kneading the fabric because it gains a sense of affection that is similar to what it felt when it was a kitten rubbing its mother’s stomach.

Random objects that cats knead

While cat’s usually knead object with fabric, they also knead other random things. Some of our readers have reported to us that their cat kneads their refrigerator and windows. Cats can also knead humans that they feel a close connection to. You can check out are article “Why does my cat knead me but not my husband” to find out more.

Cat kneading effect on health

While there is not complete agreement among the cat community as to where the behavior of cat kneading originates, it is certain that cat kneading does not cause any health issues for your cat. As long as your cat is not destroying any of the fabric it is kneading, we recommend letting your cat knead fabric as it allows your cat to relax and feel comfortable.