Why does a cat knead shouldn't be confused with what does a cat need because for a cat, the experience is the same.
If you want to witness your cat kneading or knitting or making biscuits as some folks call it, because of the way they pump their paws up and down almost like they're marching or mixing dough; your cat will need to be happy, content and loved.
But why on earth would a cat feel the need to knead? One thing is for sure, it's a cat's way of communicating their happiness and contentedness.
If you watch a cat knead, you'll notice that she purrs and drools, almost as if she's in some kind of happy trance.
You will never see an unhappy, miserable cat knead.
To explain this interesting behavior, we look to a cat's wild ancestry and memories of being a newborn.
Back in the days, before kitty slept on your bed, cats had to find and make their own beds.
They would actually build nesting type beds, usually in tall grass or grass like debris by flattening out or "kneading" the grassy stuff until it was comfortable.
Sometimes you'll notice your cat trying to do the same thing to a blanket or maybe even a cardboard box.
They'll work at it for quite awhile, knead it, until they're satisfied it's a nest.
Then they lie down.
The other reason for your cat's kneading goes back to the time when she was a nursing kitten.
The kneading of her mother's teat would stimulate milk secretion and the motion would cause the milk to flow more readily.
The result or reward would be a happy, content and loved kitten.
Now later in life, a happy, contented, loved cat will continue to feel the need for more love, happiness and contentment.
Your cat will knead you.