Similar to eating grass, veterinarians and pet experts don’t fully understand why cats perform the kneading ritual. Several theories about why cats knead include:

• An increasing urge for a mate during their heat cycle.

• Attempting to soften bedding or make a more comfortable place to lie down.

• Having never grown out of the habit from their kitten years, cats continue to knead thinking it will produce milk.

• Leave the scent from their foot pads in areas they wish to mark as their territory.

• Signifies a form of flattery when kneading an owner.

• Stimulating milk flow from their mother’s nipples.