body language and intent from kneading when they are happy. Cats knead soft objects such as teddy bears. Cats may adopt a blanket and use it like a security blanket. This will include much kneading, purring and suckling of the blanket. In some cases, cats have been observed to exhibit sexual movements, not unlike a dog "humping" a human leg, accompanying the kneading and suckling. Kittens who are taken away from their mothers before they are fully weaned may also develop a habit of kneading a human whom they have adopted as a maternal figure, and may also attempt suckling their ear, eye, nose, toe, hair, shirt, socks or fingers. Cats mainly do so as kittens, but sometimes the behavior continues into adult life. See also Purr Source and references Cat behavior