Short answer: both kneading and suckling are leftover behaviors from nursing as a kitten, and doing them frequently toward their owner is a genuinely positive sign of comfort and attachment.
Why do cats knead?
It's a lingering trace of the instinctive behavior kittens use to press against their mother to help milk flow. Many cats keep this behavior into adulthood when they feel relaxed and secure.
How is suckling different?
Suckling — sucking on a blanket, clothing, or a person's skin — is also seen as an extension of the nursing behavior. It tends to show up more often in cats who were separated from their mother too early.
What are the 3 reasons they do this so often with their owner?
① They see their owner as a safe, comforting presence, like a mother figure ② Body warmth and touch feel similar to the experience of nursing ③ The stronger the attachment, the more often this behavior tends to appear. These three are the most common reasons.
Is this behavior something to worry about?
Generally, no — it's a normal behavior with nothing to worry about. That said, if the sucking or biting is hard enough to cause skin injury, gently redirecting their attention elsewhere is a good idea.
Is it normal for this to continue into adulthood?
Yes, many cats carry this habit for life. It's best understood as an individual personality trait rather than a problem behavior.
