Why do cats knead before sleeping?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Cats knead before sleeping because of their ancestral nesting instinct, a rhythmic pushing-and-pulling motion of the claw pads on the ground. It's inherited from their wild ancestors, who kneaded the earth to create a safe, comfortable place to lie. Most domestic cats still behave in this manner even when they have plush, cozy beds to sleep in.
Wild cats patted down grass to form hidden nests impervious to predators. Your cat tends to knead before curling up, using a paw-wiping motion that repeats this ritual of security. The nest is marked with territorial pheromones from glands in the paws, indicating "this is mine." Comfort and safety send your cat off to dreamland.
Surface Preparation
- Flattens lumps for orthopedic comfort
- Creates warmth-trapping depressions
Safety Signaling
- Pheromones deter other animals
- Mimics wild concealment techniques
Sleep Initiation
- Rhythmic motion lowers heart rate
- Releases sleep-inducing dopamine
Support this cat's rite of passage with appropriate surfaces. Older cats might enjoy orthopedic foam pads that conform to their paws. Slip blankets that smell familiar into their favorite nap spots. And don't disturb a kneading cat, she's working hard to settle into sleep.
Be aware of whether your cat kneads excessively before settling. And by that I mean more than ten minutes or so. If your cat is kneading for that long, she is probably uncomfortable or anxious about something. Provide heated beds for arthritic kitties. Understanding this instinctive behavior enables you to create sleeping arrangements for your cat that align with the framework of her wild ancestors.
Read the full article: 5 Fascinating Reasons Behind Cat Kneading Behavior
