Kneading is usually a normal comfort behaviour
Many cats rhythmically push their front paws into soft surfaces while relaxed. Adult cats may knead before resting, during social contact or when settling onto a favourite blanket.
Why the claws sometimes come out
Kneading naturally involves flexing the toes. A thick blanket can protect your lap without interrupting the behaviour. Do not punish the cat for using its paws.
Give the behaviour an easy outlet
Soft washable beds and blankets in quiet resting places give cats somewhere suitable to knead and settle. If the cat likes to knead on you, redirect onto a folded blanket rather than physically pushing the paws away.
When to pay attention
Kneading by itself is not usually a concern. A sudden change in resting behaviour, inability to settle, apparent pain or compulsive repetitive behaviour should be considered in the wider context of the cat’s health.
Sudden, intense or persistent changes can sometimes be linked to pain, illness, sensory changes or stress. Contact a veterinarian if the behaviour is new and unexplained, is accompanied by appetite, thirst, toileting, mobility or weight changes, or if anyone is at risk of injury.