Cats knead blankets for several related reasons:
- Comfort and security : Kneading mimics the behavior kittens do when nursing, stimulating their mother’s milk flow. This action continues into adulthood as a comforting, soothing habit that makes cats feel safe and relaxed. It recalls the feeling of being cared for as a kitten.
- Territory marking : Cats have scent glands on their paws. When they knead blankets, they deposit their scent as a way of marking the blanket as their own territory, signaling security and ownership.
- To make a cozy resting spot : In the wild, cats knead grasses or bedding materials to prepare a comfortable sleeping area. Domestic cats carry on this instinct when kneading blankets, helping to arrange a soft, cozy nest.
- Emotional expression and attention seeking : Cats often knead when they feel content, happy, or want attention. The act may be accompanied by purring, showing their emotional state and desire for closeness with their human.
In summary, cats knead blankets because it is a deeply ingrained behavior linked to early nursing comfort, territory marking, creating a comfortable spot, and emotional communication with their environment and humans.
