Why Do Cats Knead Their Owners?

Cats knead

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by a cat’s paws kneading at your stomach? If so, you’ve probably wondered why cats knead on their owners. This behavior can be very comforting to some people but incredibly annoying to others.

It all depends on how the cat’s owner feels about it and whether the person enjoys being an object of affection. These two main reasons explain why cats like to press their paws into their owners’ bellies when feeling happy and content with life.

Kneading is associated with feeding in mother cats

After a kitten nurses, it kneads its mother’s belly, stimulating milk production. Kittens and cats can sense how soft or firm you are: after all, that’s how they tell whether or not you’re full of milk! You’ll likely be receptive to more petting when your body is soft. So if your cat has discovered that scratching your belly while purring gets a lot of attention, it will keep doing so.

The hormone oxytocin is released when you are knead

Some scientists believe that kneading and other positive behaviors, such as purring and head butting, are a means for cats to express gratitude and bond with their owners. It’s also possible that cats experience oxytocin when they perform these behaviors.

Oxytocin is a hormone associated with nurturing, trust and bonding in animals. Kneading seems to be a way for kitties to socialize with humans. Just as it is an important part of a mother cat’s interaction with her kittens. Oxytocin can be release by physical contact between people, so your cat may get the same feelings of closeness when interacting with you.

Kneading can help kittens bond with mother cats

Newborn kittens need to spend time with their mother to learn proper kitten in techniques, including how to knead. This behavior helps kittens bond with their mothers and is thought to help them feel safe and warm (it releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel relaxed, just like being massage).

Kittens aren’t born knowing how to do it; they learn by watching mom do it and then practicing on her belly. Interestingly enough, when a young kitten is with its mother but not getting as much bonding time as it needs such as if there are too many other kittens in one space the kitten will often still try to knead mom regardless.

The RSPCA can redirect this behavior

If your cat kneads you, it can feel quite pleasant, but if they are stressed, they can do it so much that they hurt themselves. Associate Professor Karen Healy of Murdoch University said cats knead when they are happy and content.

It’s a self-soothing behavior; she told Radio 6PR. They cover their scent with human scent. It helps them feel safe, secure and less anxious. I have some hair that comes off my head – little clumps. They will take these in their mouths and rub them on my face or other parts of my body and legs. She said many owners do not realize how vulnerable their pet feels when it first goes to a new home.

Scientists have shown humans knead too

As you can see, even if your cat isn’t showing any outward signs of stress, she may instinctively knead her owner for a good reason. Even more, telling is that other animals engage in similar behaviors. Chimpanzees and gorillas have been seen massaging each other. Cats and dogs also exhibit a version of kneading when feeling relaxed.

Humans share these behaviors with almost every warm-blooded species on earth. And we’re not just talking about our furry friends here: Nursing mothers will often exhibit signs of kneading as well. Probably due to being flooded with oxytocin at an increase rate during breastfeeding.

All mammals with fur or hair can knead

When a cat kneads, it creates a situation where pheromones from the secretions of its scent glands can be released through clawing and squeezing. A cat’s claws contain several types of pheromones that have different smells.

It is believed that cats knead on their owners to spread pheromones throughout their owner’s home as an attempt to say, this is my house! These are my things! The smell should indicate dominance over its owner.

It has also been theorize that they might want something else: milk. Kittens cannot make all of their nutrients, so after they are born, they feed off milk their mother produces until they are old enough to eat other foods.

Kitties may become aggressive if they don’t get enough love

Are you paying enough attention to your kitty lately? There’s a good chance that your furry friend has become aggressive and might even scratch or bite you if they don’t get enough love.

Kitties are well known for kneading their owners, so be sure to have quality time with them regularly. When cats feel safe, they return the love by kneading on their owners to show affection and give off positive vibes.