Kneading

My cat "kneads" before he lays down on the bed. He will knead for minutes at a time and then, most of the time, lay down in a completely different spot. What's the deal?

Sunni was my kneader. She started when she was a kitten, kneading blankets, pillows, usually me. I always took it as a sign of trust and contentment from her. Even at 5 yrs old, she still did it. Sophie doesn't do it and I miss it!

Pansy kneads agressively. She's left bruises on my arms from kneading so hard and so deliberately. I take it as a sign of affection from her too, as she's purring and giving head butts while she's doing it.

Tiger kneeded a lot. She always did it when she was happy, secure, and ready for a good nap. I always heard it was how they make a spot comfy for sleeping. But then Tiger would lay down somewhere else too. I came to the conclusion that she was either not the brightest cat (other actions would attest to that also) or she was saying 'oo! It's a good time for a nap! Here, you take one too! I made a spot all ready for ya!'

Thanks for the responses! Tucker is the one that kneads and the other cat, Frisky, doesn't really do much except eat, give us permission to pet him and sleep....what a life huh?

Originally Posted by mose1117

Thanks for the responses! Tucker is the one that kneads and the other cat, Frisky, doesn't really do much except eat, give us permission to pet him and sleep....what a life huh?

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I would like to turn in a CAT to have that life! ........ ....

I love it when my cats knead!

I've heard that kneading happens when kittens are separated from their mommies too early. i guess to get the milk from the mom they would knead the mom's stomach. and the behavior continues after they leave mom. usually they do it when they're older when they're happy.

I don't know that my Meishka kneads much. Now and then I guess. She usually will, with her front paws only, run in place if you know what I mean...it's so weird. It's like she is scratching the floor/bed/whatever and yet running at the same time. Maybe she is itching her paws?