Why does my cat knead my head so hard it hurts? How can I stop it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 2 months old | 25 lbs
My grown cat Mimi kneads my scalp every single morning. Why? It really hurts..
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 5th, 2020
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Cat's knead to show contentment and love, but sometimes it hurts. Kneading behavior is thought to be the sign of a content cat, although excessive kneading of a person such as when you are in bed can be aggravating for the owner. If a cat is kneading it's paws into a person it is thought to mean that the cat is not only comfortable with you, but may have adopted you as a mother figure. Keeping her nails trimmed regularly can help make this less painful. Or gently move/redirect her to a more comfortable location when we does this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 8th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can completely relate to this. My outdoor cat Opie loves doing that and his nails are very sharp. If Dana is an indoor only cat, I would advise keeping her nails trimmed so she doesn't hurt you when kneading. Other than that, making her move off of you is the only other way to address this behavior. Good luck with Dana
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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