Kneading, often lovingly called “making biscuits,” is a quintessential behavior exhibited by our domestic feline companions. It’s an instinctive action where a cat rhythmically pushes their paws into a soft surface, like a cozy blanket, mimicking the motion of kneading dough.
But what exactly drives this endearing behavior? Why do some cats knead with unwavering enthusiasm throughout their lives, while others seem to outgrow it after kittenhood? Let’s delve into the common theories behind why cats knead blankets and other soft surfaces.
Decoding the Kneading Instinct in Cats
For many cats, kneading is a behavior rooted in their earliest experiences. Kittens instinctively knead around their mother’s teats while nursing. This action stimulates milk flow, ensuring they receive nourishment. Beyond the practical purpose, this nursing period is associated with comfort and security, thanks to the mother cat’s presence and calming pheromones. This deeply ingrained association can lead cats to continue kneading into adulthood, seeking to recreate that primal sense of contentment and relaxation.
However, the kneading instinct isn’t solely tied to kittenhood. Observing wild feline species reveals that they, too, engage in kneading behaviors. They often knead soft grasses and vegetation in their natural habitats to prepare a comfortable resting spot. This instinctual “bedding down” behavior is mirrored in our domestic cats as they knead their beds, blankets, and favorite napping locations.
Adding another layer to this behavior, cats possess scent glands located between their toes. When a cat kneads, these glands are activated, depositing their unique scent onto the surface. This serves as a subtle form of territorial marking. By kneading a blanket, your cat is essentially claiming it as their own, leaving a scent message for any other curious felines who might come sniffing around. Some experts also propose that kneading provides a beneficial stretch for a cat’s muscles and helps relieve tension in their paws and legs.
Because nursing and being around a mother cat’s calming pheromones encourages a sense of contentment in young kittens, many cats will continue to knead into adulthood to create a similar sense of calm and relaxation.
Blankets: The Perfect Kneading Canvas
Cats exhibit a particular fondness for kneading blankets and other soft objects due to a combination of factors:
- Seeking Comfort and Stress Relief: The soft texture of a blanket and the repetitive motion of kneading can be incredibly soothing for a cat. It can evoke those early memories of nursing, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Some cats may even suckle on the blanket while kneading, further enhancing this comforting, nursing-like experience.
- Preparing a Cozy Sleep Sanctuary: Just as their wild counterparts knead grass to create a comfortable bed, domestic cats knead blankets to “tamp down” and shape their sleeping area. This ensures a soft, comfortable, and secure spot for rest.
- Territorial Marking: Blankets, often imbued with comforting scents and placed in favored locations, become prime targets for territorial marking. By kneading, cats deposit their pheromones, effectively claiming the blanket as their personal property.
Why Does Your Cat Knead You?
If your feline friend enjoys kneading on you, consider it a compliment! The reasons behind this behavior often mirror why they knead blankets: seeking relaxation, stress relief, or preparing a comfy spot before settling down for a nap – perhaps right on your lap!
However, when a cat kneads you, it carries an extra layer of meaning: affection. Kneading is a behavior deeply associated with the comfort and security of their kittenhood and their bond with their mother. Therefore, when your cat kneads you, it can be interpreted as a significant sign of trust, comfort, and love. They are essentially extending that maternal bond to you. Furthermore, kneading on you also serves as a way for your cat to mark you with their scent, claiming you as part of their inner circle and territory.
When your cat kneads you, it can also be a sign of affection, since kneading is a behavior that he performed as a kitten with his mother.
When Kneading Becomes a Concern
While kneading is generally a normal and healthy cat behavior, there are instances where increased or excessive kneading might warrant attention. The act of kneading triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and pain relief, in a cat’s brain. Therefore, if a cat is experiencing discomfort or anxiety, they may knead more frequently as a self-soothing mechanism.
Excessive kneading can also, in some cases, be indicative of a compulsive behavioral issue. The dopamine release can become reinforcing, leading a cat to knead excessively in pursuit of that feel-good sensation. Cats experiencing pain from injuries or conditions like arthritis might also knead more to stretch their muscles and alleviate discomfort.
If you observe a noticeable increase in your cat’s kneading habits, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues that might be contributing to the change in behavior.
Redirecting and Managing Kneading Behavior
For some cat owners, the sharp claws that often accompany kneading can be less enjoyable, especially when directed at skin or furniture. While it’s essential to remember that kneading is an instinctual behavior that shouldn’t be suppressed, it can be redirected to more appropriate outlets.
What To Do: Positive Approaches to Kneading
- Consult Your Vet: If you suspect your cat’s kneading is linked to stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition, your veterinarian is your first and best resource. They can recommend appropriate treatments, which might include medications, supplements, or pheromone diffusers like Feliway® to help manage anxiety.
- Create Designated Kneading Zones: Offer your cat soft blankets or designated kneading pads in areas where you’d prefer them to knead, such as on the couch or their bed.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your cat kneads in their designated spots, reward them with praise, treats, or petting. Positive reinforcement helps them associate kneading in those areas with positive outcomes.
What Not To Do: Avoid Punitive Measures
- Never Punish Your Cat: Punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or using squirt bottles, is counterproductive and harmful. It can create fear and anxiety in your cat, potentially worsening the kneading behavior and damaging your bond.
- Avoid Declawing: Declawing is a drastic and inhumane solution that should never be considered to address kneading. It’s a painful surgical procedure with long-term negative consequences for a cat’s physical and behavioral well-being.
Practical Tips for Comfortable Coexistence
- Keep Claws Trimmed: Regular nail trimming is a simple yet effective way to minimize discomfort and damage from kneading claws.
- Barrier Protection: If your cat enjoys kneading on you, placing a blanket between their paws and your skin can provide a comfortable barrier while still allowing them to express their natural behavior. This allows you to enjoy the bonding experience without discomfort.
By understanding the multifaceted reasons behind why cats knead blankets, we can better appreciate this common feline behavior. It’s a testament to their instincts, their capacity for comfort and affection, and the enduring bond they share with us.
References
Brister, JM. “Body Language of Cats,” Veterinary Partner. November 2018.
