Why Do Cats Knead Your Lap

What if your cat likes to knead people namely you.

Why do cats knead your lap. Your cat is kneading to tenderize you so she can eat you she s just trying to soften your cold cold heart by way of your lap of course. Why cats knead their owners. Never punish your kitty for kneading though because the behavior is instinctive. Some experts consider kneading to stimulate the cat and make it feel good in the same manner as a human stretching.

Think of kneading as a distinct expression of adoration. Or perhaps her claws snag your clothes the blankets or couch and you want to keep your possessions from wear and tear while keeping your kitty from getting stuck. Never punish your cat for this behavior he doesn t realize it hurts. That s often when they re being petted on their owner s lap.

She s just trying to soften your cold cold heart by way of your lap of course. The process takes place with alternate paws at intervals of one to two seconds. Cat paws have scent glands that secrete your cat s unique scent. It s a wonderful bonding moment when your cat kneads your lap while you re sitting on the couch but even when she uses a gentle motion it can be painful if her claws aren t trimmed.

Kneading a person or a comfy place is sometimes a discreet way your cat is telling other kitties to back off. The cat exerts firm downwards pressure with its paw opening its toes to expose its claws then closes its claws as it lifts its paw. If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you re petting him he s returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back. Even when they re too young for their eyes to open kittens need to knead says katy nelson dvm.

Kneading your sofa or your lap can be your cat s way of marking their territory. You may not be able to smell it but other cats can. Kneading behaviors hearken back to kittenhood. Kitten paws knead against the mother cat s breasts to induce milk to be released.

Cats almost always knead on a soft pliable surface like a pillow a. Unfortunately this can be quite painful since the happier he is the harder he ll dig in with his sharp nails. Their ancestors did this. Another theory traces the roots of kneading to the wild ancestors of domesticated cats who would knead grass to create a suitable sleeping place similar to the circling dogs do before they settle in.

One reason cats knead is to make a soft bed or clear a space to doze. They may do this while sitting on their owner s lap which may prove painful if the cat is large or strong or has sharp claws as the claws tend. So if your cat is kneading your lap just be patient sit back and relax because that s likely what they re preparing to do. Kneading is sometimes colloquially referred to as making biscuits because the motion resembles a baker kneading dough.