An evolutionary Explanation of Why Cats Knead by Trishool Trident
You may look up from your book or your TV to find your cat involved in an unusual and weird exercise. She will look like she is doing the Michael Jackson moonwalk except she is stuck to one place. She will lift her paws alternately and seemingly "massage" the surface of a blanket, couch or your lap. This is called "kneading" and there are various explanations on why cats do it. While a cat kneads, she enters a state of deep relaxation and may look like she is mesmerized.
Kneading, basically, looks like sauntering or mashing grapes. Cats do this for assorted reasons. An interesting and compelling reason is evolution. Kittens will gently use their paws to knead their mother's teat in order to encourage milk flow. A cat may then go into an intensely relaxed and trance-like state. As the cat matures, she may knead any soft surface and while doing so, enter the same relaxed state of mind that she experienced when she was a kitten. This act is related with the positive, reassuring and relaxing result of getting milk.
So you will hear her purr with satisfaction while she is busy with kneading. Another theory is that cats knead in order to set up a soft surface to ultimately settle down upon. It also seems to feel great and it works their paws. If your cat still has uncut claws however, the kneading motion can be extremely painful if done upon your body.
So what should you do if your cat starts kneading on your lap on shoulder? Well, because cats will sometimes engage their claws when they are kneading, it can come as a rude and painful shock to you when your cat suddenly digs her claws into your skin. Kneading is a peaceful activity for your cat but it can be anything but peaceful for you. If that happens, then it is acceptable to disturb her highness and interrupt her meditations. Gently pick her up without startling her and place her on some other soft surface. If her claws are stuck into your clothes then you have to be extra careful. Slowly try to get her to unhook and retract her claws by speaking softly and soothingly. Once she gets her claws out of your clothes, you can then relocate her to a more comfortable spot.
Kneading is beneficial for your cat and it helps them relax and unwind. They should not be disturbed while engaged in this activity. It is comparative to meditation or just chilling out. Imagine you are relaxing in your favorite armchair and someone comes and pulls your tail (if you had one). Cats are very moody creatures to begin with and should not be given any opportunity to get in a bad mood.
So let your cat lay back and chill out while you do the same. Your cat is trying to teach you that life is not all about stress and activity and once in a while it is just as good to do nothing.
Trishool is a web entrepreneur and writer, and does not have a website of his own. The only way for my readers to access his articles is by sites like this one publishing them.
