Why Do Cats Knead While Purring

Many people think that it looks like they re kneading dough which is why it s also adorably known as making biscuits.

Why do cats knead while purring. Cats love to do this on soft surfaces like cosy blankets squishy cushions or most commonly your lap when they re having a good fuss. The habit of kneading comes from kittenhood when they knead their mothers stomach to increase the flow of milk. This is achieved through the glands found in feline paws. Many cats purr while kneading.

So as the cat breathes in and out the air moves across these twitching muscles resulting in a purring sound. Do not always assume that drooling is necessarily a happy action even if accompanied by purring. A cat does this in order to stretch their muscles after a long nap. When cats purr signals are sent to the muscles of the voice box as well as the diaphragm which expands the chest when breathing.

Because of the action s maternal connection to the mother the behavior may be a communication of affection towards the cat s human companion. They also purr mostly when newborn when feeding or when trying to feed on their mother s teat. Cats also knead around the place to mark their territory. This is where a cat sweats when they start to overheat.

Another theory is that cats have scent glands in the soft pads on the bottoms of their paws. Cats knead when they re happy and it is meant as a compliment to their human friends. These signals stimulate a cat s vocal cords to vibrate. Cats are territorial creatures and one of the ways they safeguard their turf is to scent mark their belongings.

Kneading may also be a form of communication between owner and feline. When female cats knead while lying on their side that could be their way of well advertising for a mate. When they knead some of that scent is released onto the surface being kneaded as a territorial marker. It helps keep them limber.

During the process the cat feels entirely contented and relaxed. As a result the paws release a unique scent. This is why you ll often find your cat purring while kneading. Kneading is the back and forth motion a cat makes by alternating its paws against something soft.

If dogs pee around the place to mark their territory then cats will just knead because they have scent glands inside their paw pads that releases a specific scent to mark their territory. In some cases drooling can be a sign of a medical problem in cats including toxicity to certain plants feline herpes halitosis and various upper respiratory infections.