If you’ve ever watched your cat rhythmically press their paws into a blanket, your lap, or even your stomach, you’ve witnessed one of feline-kind’s most curious rituals. This behavior is one of the many wonders pet owners discover, and it’s worth studying.
Cats have several ways of communicating, each unique in their own way. From vocalizations to body language, they use almost every part of their body and personality to express their feelings.
Feline emotions and feelings are complex. But it’s clear to us, pet owners, that the way to get closer to our cats is by understanding all the subtle signs and behaviors. Let’s start with what cat kneading is.
What Is Cat Kneading?
Cat kneading is the rhythmic motion they make with their front paws, pressing down on the surface and alternating from left to right. It’s called kneading because it’s similar to how bakers knead dough, which is why it’s also commonly referred to as making biscuits.
But why do cats make biscuits? Is it something that they’re naturally known to do, or is it something they learn as they grow older? To understand it, let’s go back to when it actually starts and how cats get the behavior.
How Do Cats Start Kneading?
Kneading starts off during kittenhood as an instinctive behavior kittens do on their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk production. Through this rhythmic motion, milk will be released.
Wild cats have also kneaded leaves, grass, or dirt to create a comfortable, safe nest for resting or giving birth. This act of pressing helps clear debris and shape a much more cozy spot.
Why Do Cats Knead?
Even as adults, cats continue to knead and make biscuits. They have carried this behavior with them as another form of communication and expression. Here are the common reasons why cats knead and their meanings.
Comfort and Relaxation
The act of making biscuits makes cats happy, calm, and relaxed. It's a self-soothing behavior that these creatures have adopted from kittenhood. Kneading provides something positive to the table, helping them stay comfortable and express their contentment.
Showing Affection
Another popular reason why cats knead is to show affection. Since this behavior is linked to positive experiences from kittenhood, they also do the same action to show their love and affection for their owners.
Cats don’t just knead anyone, only the people they trust. It means they see you as a person who provides comfort and security for them. You can observe them doing this on your stomach, lap, or other parts of the body. They might also do this action near you.
Preparing a Resting Spot
Cats also knead to prepare a comfortable spot for themselves to rest or give birth. They do this when they press on the pillows, blankets, and towels. While it’s primarily to tamp down their bedding, it’s also a way for them to deposit their unique pheromones, improving comfort.
Marking Territory
Kneading helps cats mark their territory. Using the scent glands they have on their paws, they mark pillows, blankets, and even you.
Stretching Muscles
Another reason why cats look like they're making biscuits is to stretch. Cats stretch to prepare their bodies, helping the muscles and joints get ready for physical activity. Think of it as your cat's own personal yoga stance.
You can see this when they wake up from a nap or rise up from a long resting stance.
Does Kneading Mean a Cat is Happy?
Yes, a cat kneading is usually a happy cat. This behavior is linked to their previous experience when they were kittens, which brings back a sense of comfort, happiness, and contentment.
However, cats can also knead when they aren’t feeling very well. Since it’s a self-soothing behavior, it’s their way of coping with a problem.
Do Male Cats Knead?
Yes, male cats knead. While this behavior is often associated with female because of their ties to nursing, kneading is a universal feline behavior. This means all cats can do it, regardless of breed, age, and gender.
Vet Tips: How to Respond When Your Cat Kneads
Kneading is one of the most intimate behaviors cats share with us. It’s a combination of instinct, comfort, and love.
Take it as a compliment
If your cat kneads you, it means they trust you. So, instead of brushing it off or getting annoyed, take it as a loving gesture from them. Accept the kneading and let your cat do what it needs to do to feel safe and comforted.
Give them a knead-friendly zone
Place a soft blanket or towel in their favorite kneading spots. You can also place these on your lap whenever your cat sits there. These are great options for kneading while redirecting the behavior from skin and fragile fabrics.
Pat and rub them back
Some cats like to get pats and rubs whenever they knead, as they might interpret this as reciprocation and assurance. However, this doesn’t work for all cats, as some might get annoyed. It all depends on your cat.
Trim nails regularly
Nail trimming is a good routine to keep in mind when talking about cat hygiene and your furniture. Well-maintained nails help cats knead properly without hurting you or your things. You can do this every 2 to 4 weeks, or when the nails get too long. Just avoid trimming close to the quick.
Never punish your cat
Kneading is something cats instinctively do when they feel happy or content, which is why punishing them for it can damage your bond. Instead of punishing them, take steps to make sure their kneading is enjoyable for both you and your cat.
Do Cats Like to Be Petted While Making Biscuits?
It will depend, as not all cats will like it. Some will prefer to be alone while they knead. You should observe your cat’s cues and body language before responding. If they continue to knead while you’re petting them, then they most likely like being petted.
However, if they get tense, then stop petting immediately.
Is Excessive Cat Kneading a Problem?
A cat kneading is a regular occurrence. However, too much of anything is always concerning, particularly when it comes to behavior. Keep an eye out for any additional symptoms or signs of anxiety.
Monitor your cat’s body language, vocalizations, changes in appetite, and overall personality. If your cat’s kneading increases along with other changes, then we recommend consulting a pet behaviorist.
Also, cat kneading may not be desirable and adorable when their sharp claws can hit your skin or furniture. Instead of punishing them, you should redirect this behavior to something else.
Scratching posts and other interactive cat toys can help them focus their attention on something else. These toys can also serve as objects for cats to knead, minimizing damage to your furniture.
“Kneading is one of the many ways our cats show their feelings to us. Let’s listen and observe.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts on Cat Kneading
Now that we understand why cats knead and make biscuits, we'll know how to respond. While cats can't show us love the way we humans do with each other, they try their best to show how much they appreciate us through their own small ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share
