Scientific Secrets Behind Your Feline's Strangest Habits

Kneading: An Ancestral Trait

The rhythmic motion of a cat kneading with its paws is a behavior rooted in their early developmental stages. Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, a comforting action that often persists into adulthood. Scientifically, kneading is believed to be a remnant of this nursing behavior, providing comfort and security. Some theories suggest that kneading may also be a way for cats to mark territory, as scent glands in their paws release pheromones during the process. This behavior reflects the deep-seated instincts that continue to influence a cat’s actions long after they have left their mother’s side.