Why Cats Knead

Visitors Question Kneading

Losing Sleep Over Kneading

Hi, I just adopted a nine-month-old cat from our local Humane Society. Things have been going fairly well. I believe that he loves his new life. I'm having one small problem with him. During the night (on several occasions), he wakes me up kneading all over me. I will try to stop him by laying him down or snuggling with him, but he remains persistent and climbs back up on top of me only to start kneading again.

I love him, but this behavior is driving me crazy and resulting in lack of sleep. The only way that I can get him to stop is by putting him off the bed or placing him out of the room with the door closed. I would love to sleep with him, but at this point I need my sleep for work. I have given him plenty of toys to play with, but that hasn't really helped. Any advice?

~~Danielle

Expert Reply

Hi Danielle,

Kneading is a sign of affection and that your cat feels safe and secure with you. This is a behavior cats learn with their mothers. He sees you as a mother figure. It is very difficult to get a cat to stop kneading because it is so instinctive and ingrained in them since kittenhood. It is possible he will stop doing this so much once he settles in, but he may not ever be a cat who will share a bed without waking you. The simplest solution may be to have cuddle time during the day and then separate from him at night.

Most cats will settle down and go to sleep after about ten minutes. If you want, you can try lying very still when he starts this behavior and see if he settles in after that amount of time. If not, you may have to continue to put him out of the room. Please don't hesitate to come back if you have any other questions or concerns. Congrats on your new cat!

~~Lori

Cat Feels Safe and Loved

My four year old cat Juliet has started kneading excessively. She climbs in a lap, kneads for at least ten minutes, will lay down for a bit, then stand up and start kneading again. This pattern continues for hours unless the person stands up. We have tried removing her from the lap each time she starts this pattern, but she is persistent and just climbs up in the lap again, and again, and again. Short of never sitting down again, what can we do to stop this excessive kneading problem?

~~Lynn

Expert Reply

Hi, Lynn. Juliet sounds like a very happy cat. Kneading is just that, a sign that a cat is happy. A contented cat will often knead your lap before she lies down. You may also see her do this on a couch, bed or other place where she is preparing to sleep. Kneading is also known as milk tread. Cats first begin this behavior as kittens. When the kitten is nursing, it extends its legs and kneads the area around the mother cat's nipple. This makes the milk flow more quickly. Kittenhood was likely a happy time for your cat and apparently she fills a similar comfort and joy when sitting in your lap. Because this is such an instinctive part of your cat's personality, it is very hard to get your cat to stop kneading.

The kneading actually means that Juliet loves you and feels safe and protected when sitting on your lap. If it becomes uncomfortable, try keeping her nails trimmed or laying a pillow across your lap for her to sit on. This will put a cushion between her and your legs and make it less bothersome. A folded blanket may also work.

It might be a good idea to go ahead and follow up with a visit to your veterinarian since she has started this recently, just to rule out any potential health problems. Good luck and I hope the pillow idea helps!

~~Lori