Do cats knead when they feel love?

Kneading is often a sign of contentment in cats when they're feeling truly affectionate toward their people. This rhythmic paw-pushing action releases dopamine, endowing the experience of bonding time with the trusted human in their lives with pleasurable associations. Kneading, however, can also be a sign of releasing stress. Always consider the circumstances when determining your cat's emotional state.

Reassuring kneadings are generally given in moments of leisure. You may find your cat purring throatily and gazing at you with half-open eyes as she thrusts her paws against you. She is, no doubt, trying to recapture the bower of ease that was hers in kittenhood when soft contact had much to do with the sense of peace. Cats that are usually aloof will sometimes allow their favourite person to give them a solo massage.

Stress kneading. This differs from the above in terms of body language. Look for tense muscles and/or pinned ears during this behaviour. An anxious cat may knead at surface points endlessly, not actually settling. That is self-soothing in an attempt to calm themselves when they feel threatened. Being aware of these signs allows one to address any underlying anxiety.

Reinforce nurturing kneading with light petting. Try to avoid handling sensitive areas, such as the belly. If your cat displays signals of stress, provide quiet spaces instead. Learning and understanding these differences enhances your relationship while respecting the emotional needs of your pet.

Read the full article: 5 Fascinating Reasons Behind Cat Kneading Behavior