Why do cats knead?

Cats sure do love to knead on your blankets, carpets, and even on your lap. Ever wonder why this often happens? Julia Albright, Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine in the University of Tennessee, explained through The Conversation that these cats got this behavior when they were still kittens. They knead on their mom’s tummy to show that they are ready to suckle for her milk. As adults, cats knead to show that they are ready to relax or to settle down. Kneading could mean that a cat is in a calm state.