Cats Kneading

Anyone know what to do to make a cat stop kneading? I have a 9 month old
kitten who only kneads at night time and then snuggles his head into my
neck area where he is kneading? Any ideas on how to stop him?

jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt...

WHY?? That sounds adorable.

You might try clipping his claws, if that's the reason the kneading
bothers you. Then you won't get holes poked in you, anyway!

Enfilade...

Why would you want to? He is showing he loves you :)

If the knead is sharp and uncomfortable, trim his claws. (This can be
done with a trimmer bought at a pet store--the first few times he will
resist, but once he gets used to it, he will sit quietly for it. It is
also easier on your rugs and furniture)

3 of our 4 knead.

wafflycat...

Your kitten is exhibiting normal kitten behaviour. He is 'milk treading'
which is what kittens do to the mother cat whilst suckling as it stimulates
the flow of milk. Your kitten is being a kitten - with you as surrogate
mother. It means he is content and feeling secure. As he grows older he will
do it less often. In the meantime, a piece of cloth between you & the area
he is milk treading will protect your skin.

Cheers, helen s

Anna via CatKB.com...

Aaaaww, I *love*when they do that. You should take it as a compliment; he's
acting like you're his momma. They do that to their mom's tummy when they're
suckling. Oh, I see why - he's doing it to your neck, might hurt a bit there.
I second what helen s said - try putting something there like a cloth. Some
are "kneaders" more than others, your's might grow out of it but might not.
My 14 year old still does it to my arm but I trim her nails so it doesn't
hurt at all.

Jo Firey...

Why?

That is like wanting to make him stop purring.

A loud ouch and gentle swat will usually get them to be more gentle about
it.

I even dress in layers so I won't catch the sharp end of claws in the
process.

MaryL...

Holly and Duffy do that, and I see it as a sign of contentment and even
love. Holly considers it her "duty" to start kneading as soon as I wake up.
I just pull the bedspread up over my shoulders and let her "knead away." If
her claws get too long, it's time for a trim.

Baha via CatKB.com...

About 3 months ago, Stosh took it upon himself to become the house masseur,
and he takes it quite seriously. If I don't go to bed when he wants to get
into knead mode, he actually comes to scold me and lets me know by hopping on
the bed and staring at me, then the pillows, then back at me. He doesn't like
to get petted while he's kneading, and will back off if I try. It's like it's

Wayne Mitchell...

Will is the same way. He doesn't often knead directly on me,
preferring a piece of my clothing laid on the bed, or even an
exposed bit of the soft under-blanket. And he gets irritated if
I move to pet him before he's done the job to his satisfaction

his job to give Mama her nightly massage. I've gotten used to it, and my
husband has decided he doesn't mind sharing me with the other man of the
house. I think it's adorable, myself, but I'm a bit puzzled. Stosh will be 3
years old in May, and I don't know why he's gotten into kitten mode. I figure
he's just extending his protective and terrtorial duties..

Blessed be,
Baha

MaryL...

Holly will be 11 years old in June, and Duffy is approximately 7 years
old -- so they're not kittens, either, but they are both "kneaders."