Knowing why felines act in a certain way or what leads them to act based on certain impulses is essential to understanding cat behavior, which, in turn, will be key to maintaining a good relationship with them. And these animals have various traits and tendencies when it comes to acting that are very characteristic, as every cat owner will know. One of their peculiarities has to do with those moments in which they “knead” the sofa or bed.
On the Internet you can find hundreds of thousands of videos of kittens making a movement with their paws similar to kneading a surface, as if they were perfectly qualified bakers. In fact, for many, this behavior represents more of a daily habit. Sometimes it is the sofa, other times it is cushions or blankets and even stuffed animals. And, of course, their own humans, specifically in the belly or legs. But why is it?
As soon as you see them walking decisively to their favorite place for this activity, you can already imagine what comes next. With their two front paws, felines begin a rhythmic movement in which they push and move one paw and then the other on a certain surface, as if they were “kneading” it. It is a behavior that many find completely adorable, while others are very curious, because they can't help but wonder why.
The answer is that it is a movement that was acquired during their first days and weeks of life, since with this technique they managed to obtain more breast milk, since it was pushed so that it came out better. The reasons why this practice continues during adulthood are varied and serve different functions.
