Why do cats knead?

It goes back to the ancient Roman times when cats were enslaved to bake bread.

To understand what it is doing, we have to understand what kittens do when they are young.

When a kitten suckles, it will knead its mother's stomach with its tiny paws to stimulate the milk flow. This "milk-kneading" (as it is called) is done at a slow pace of about 1 stroke every 2 seconds. And the little kitten purrs loudly while kneading.

What appears to happen when we sit down is that we look relaxed to our cat, signaling to it to hop up and start the milk-kneading activity. Our cat reverts to kittenhood and happily starts kneading.

When a kitten is weaned too early, it still has the instinct to suckle for milk on the mother's nipple. It uses its paws to push the milk out. When it gets older, it still does this as an instinct.

Several theories exist for the behavior. Some people think it stems from them being weaned too young. Some think it is because they were weaned too late. The most logical explanation, however, is that it's simply a comfort behavior that cats remember from when they are babies. Like the original answer says. Also, Momma cat also kneads the sleeping area to create a nice soft surface for her and her kittens. Whatever the precise reason for kneading, one thing is for sure: A kneady cat is a happy cat.

Kneading is an activity common to all domestic cats whereby, when in a state of contentment, they push the surface on which they are standing with their front paws. This may have an origin going back to their wild ancestors who would have had to tread down grass or foliage to make a temporary nest in which to rest or possibly a remnant of the newborn kneading of the mother's teat to stimulate milk secretion: kneading is often a precursor to sleeping. Actually, many cats also purr when kneading; they also do this mostly when newborn, while feeding or trying to feed on their mother's teat. The common association between the two behaviors may indicate the former's origins as a remnant instinct.
So basically there are two reasons why a cat will knead basically on/near an owner, is that they feel affectionate ie : mothers teat..
then if they are kneading a blanket or inanimate object, it probably has to do with the cat trying to make the space more comfortable.

my cat always kneads me..shes a VERY big suck..
I think it has to do with her instincts that I'm her mother as she will only do it to me, not my fiance or anyone else. I also believe it has to do with her being very comfortable and happy.

I like to think that cats knead us is because they except us as their mother so we become apart of their family.

Kneading originates from nursing kittens. The kittens, while latched on a nipple, knead the mother to stimulate milk flow. Most continue this throughout their lives when they're happy or calm. Even though grown cats aren't nursing anymore, the kneading motion soothes them and let's you know they feel safe, just like they felt with their mother. Some even drool or suckle our clothing or blankets while they knead as they simulate nursing.

My 10 year old cat still does it! I don't know much about my cats past, since he was neglected by his previous owners (who also declawed him!) I don't know.. but something tells me he had a rough life, possibly a tough childhood too.., maybe he misses his mother..?

Well, I have a cat who was definately taken away from her mother too young. She sucks her tail while kneading, another reason that it must be being weaned too early

I read somewhere that when cats knead, there is a chemical released that puts a scent on the "kneadee" (or object being kneaded on) and marks it as his or her territory. I don't really know if its valid, but it seems to be a way that cats show they're property. Hope this helps

Well if you notice cats will do that to a balnket, they are probably just trying to get that particular spot comforatable.

Well when they were a kitten they did it to there mum to get more milk, true fact.

My Bengal was orphaned at two weeks and seems to have major insecurities. Occassionally, I will wake up in the early morning and find her on my chest and sucking on my finger like she is nursing. Included with this is the kneading and loud purring. Since this is the only time she ever purrs (not kidding), I simply relax and enjoy it as her brief sign of affection for me.

ohi

I have always thought of this as a sign of affection. Anytime I was going to bed sad, sick, or what not, my cat would hop on my chest and do this with its claws or with it's paws on my back. I think it felt like a massage.

They learn it when they're kittens to get more milk from mommy.

Cats knead or do 'paddy-pawing' to their humans as a way of expressing contentment and affection.

to tenderizer the meat before they eat it.

Some cats are so "kneady." They push and pull their paws in and out on soft surfaces like the bedspread, the carpet, their beds – even you. Sometimes this is accompanied by a bit of drooling. Your kitty may look absolutely contented during such episodes and may even purr.

Several theories exist for the behavior. Some people think it stems from them being weaned too young. Some think it is because they were weaned too late. The most logical explanation, however, is that it's simply a comfort behavior that cats remember from when they are babies. Nursing kittens use similar paw and arm movements to stimulate milk flow from their mothers' breasts. Momma cat also kneads the sleeping area to create a nice soft surface for her and her kittens. Whatever the precise reason for kneading, one thing is for sure: A kneady cat is a happy cat.

Cats knead because it is a territorial marking. Cats have scent glands in the pads of their feet, and will paw to mark their scent.

All God's creatures got kneads.
;-)

That's how they nurse, they do it for comfort.