Kneading is but one of the common, quirky behaviors of cats. It is a motion cats make by pushing in and out with their paws, alternating between right and left. Some cats knead with claws completely retracted, while others will extend their claws as they push in and retract as they pull back. It’s an instinctive behavior that likely helps calm the cat. It is important for cat-owning families to understand it, especially as young children bond with the cat and become the surface upon which the cat kneads, claws and all. Animal health pros can help cat owners prepare for these kneady times instead of thinking the actions are aggressive.
Source: Catster, February 12, 2018.
There’s also a more practical aspect to kneading. Cats have scent glands in the soft pads on the bottoms of their paws. When they knead, some of their unique scent is released onto the surface being kneaded, and that scent serves as a kind of territorial marker for any unfamiliar cats that might come along and try to stake a claim. When your cat is kneading your lap, he’s not only telling you he feels comfortable and secure, but he’s claiming you as his own.
INSIGHTS: Scratching is also a natural cat instinct. It allows him to leave his own residual scent behind, as well as claw marks that other cats can recognize. AHD Sponsor Ceva Animal Health’s product FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY™ helps focus cats on scratching posts instead of furniture and legs.