If you own a cat, you've probably noticed them pushing their little paws in and out over soft surfaces, alternating with their left and right feet in a rhythmic motion. This common behavior is properly known as kneading, as it resembles making bread by hand. It may seem ridiculous, but kneading has several important functions to the feline mind.
It was originally theorized that cats learned to knead in their infancy, to stimulate the flow of milk from their mother's belly. However, this did not explain why so many cats kneaded well into their adulthood. A more likely explanation involves the scent glands in cats' paws. By kneading, cats mark their territory for themselves and other animals to smell.
Of course, the most obvious (if overly simplistic) reason behind kneading is enjoyment. Cats knead because it brings them comfort; if they didn't like kneading, they wouldn't do it. And their human owners should realize and accept this behavior, though they might wish to keep the cats' claws trimmed to minimize furniture damage.
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About the author:
A freelance writer/cartoonist living in LA, with my fiance' and our wonderful cat. You can see my work at www.rubysworldcomic.com and rubynation.smackjeeves.com
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