Why Do Cats Give Massages? Kneading Motion in Cats: Reasons and Meaning

Kneading motion is one of the behaviors that both pleases and intrigues the people who live with cats. Also called a cat's massage, kneading motion, characterized by the rhythmic inward and outward pushing of the front paws, is usually seen when cats feel happy and relaxed. So what are the reasons for this behavior? Why do cats knead?

Actually, there is no definitive answer to the question "Why do cats massage?" However, animal behavior experts have differing opinions regarding kneading behavior in cats. In this article, you can find potential explanations for the question, "Why does my cat knead?"

The Origins of Kneading Behavior in Cats

A large number of experts argue that the origin of kneading behavior lies in the feeding process during kittenhood. While drinking milk from their mothers, kittens begin to knead their mothers' teats to increase milk flow. In fact, it is known that some cats release a small amount of saliva while kneading. Moreover, the massage movement not only increases the mother's milk flow but also strengthens the bond between mother and kitten by triggering the release of oxytocin. So far, so good; kittens can both feed better and strengthen their bond with their mother through massage. But why don't cats abandon this behavior after weaning?

Why do cats make massaging motions?

Some cats make kneading movements with their front paws on their beds, blankets, or similar soft objects, while others exhibit this behavior in people's laps. It can also be observed that cats make this movement to other cats. Observing when and under what conditions it occurs can make it easier to discover the reasons behind this common massage movement in cats.

Cats May Make Massage Movements When They Are Comfortable

Sleep is one of the most important parts of a cat's daily routine. Cats preparing for sleep may make massage movements when they feel comfortable or want to increase their comfort. It is thought that cats who massage cushions, blankets, beds, or their owners' laps—their favorite sleeping areas—and then lie down, resort to this behavior to reduce their tension. Therefore, the answer to the question "Why do cats knead?" can be explained by the expectation of comfort and the desire to reduce tension.

Kneading Motion May Show That Cats Feel Happy

A cat may express its emotions through kneading motions during moments shared with its owner. If your cat comes close, purrs, and massages you or an object next to you, you can assume that it is happy; you can enjoy the pleasure of receiving a wonderful compliment from your cat, which shows that it feels comfortable and relaxed while with you through kneading motions.

Cats May Start Kneading to Mark Their Territory

One explanation people might encounter when wondering why cats massage is that they exhibit this natural behavior to mark their territory. Yes, cats will start kneading, especially soft surfaces, when they are happy or feeling comfortable. However, there may be different reasons behind this behavior. Cats have scent glands in their paws, paw pads, and claws. When cats mark their owners by releasing scent to mark their territory, things can get a little more complicated. Experts point out that cats may have two different purposes when they massage humans. One of these purposes is to let potential rivals know that their human is owned, and the other is that they want to smell their own scent when they lie in someone's lap.

They May Perform Kneading Motion to Find a Comfortable Place Before Sleeping

Dogs roll around before going to bed and then lie down in the most comfortable position. Cats, on the other hand, may perform kneading motions to increase the comfort of their sleeping area. This behavior can be interpreted as an instinctive behavior inherited from their wild ancestors, who transformed long grass into a soft area for resting.

Kneading Motion is Ideal for Stretching After Sleep

Cats can sleep for hours and may need to stretch their bodies during this period of inactivity. There is a consensus that the main purpose of cats performing kneading motions immediately after waking up is to stretch their bodies.

Common Kneading Behavior in Cats

Kneading behavior is common in cats. However, if it is repeated too frequently and the cat massages obsessively, it is one of the behavioral disorders seen in anxious cats. If the kneading behavior increases significantly, the cat should be observed. If it exhibits stressful and anxious behavior, it would be best to take the cat to a veterinarian for examination.

What Can You Do If Your Cat Extends Its Claws While Massaging?

The style of kneading behavior in cats can vary, as can its frequency. Some cats do not use their claws while kneading, while others may extend them. Cats that massage by extending their claws can both harm themselves and hurt people. Cats' long claws can break or become embedded in people's bodies by snagging on soft objects during massage. Taking the necessary precautions will make process control easier.

In such a situation, methods such as keeping the cat's nails short, placing a soft blanket between the body and the cat if massaging while in the lap, and diverting its attention to something else with toys while massaging can be tried. Punishing cats for massaging is absolutely not recommended. Every cat may resort to kneading for different reasons. This behavior is natural and instinctive.