Adult cats often knead when they are feeling happy and content. This may tie in with the theory of residual behavior from kittenhood. Kittens associate kneading motions with nursing from their mother. They are warm and safe with their mother and litter mates. Those comforting feelings associated with kneading may carry over into adulthood. Some cats actually suckle on the surfaces they knead on, which provides additional support for residual behavior theory.

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