Why do cats knead the surface there on?
There are two main reasons why cats knead; emotional security or territorial marking. One theory is that kittens weaned too early carry this habit on to adulthood. However many cats knead and they can’t all have been weaned too early. It seems to be more of a comforting action for cats since it mainly takes place during periods of happiness and contentment. Kneading is also a way of making their sleeping area comfy (a bit like plumping up your pillow) and letting other cats know that this is their chosen spot. They have scent glands located in the pads of their feet near the base of their claws, and each cat has its own unique scent which they deposit when they knead. It’s also the reason why cats continue to scratch in the same places – because it’s impregnated with their claw scent which they need to keep topped up.
