Kneading, often charmingly described as “making biscuits,” stands out as one of the most recognizable and endearing behaviors in domestic cats. This instinctive action involves a cat rhythmically pushing their paws into a soft surface, like your lap or a cozy blanket, in an alternating motion, reminiscent of a baker kneading dough.
But what sparks this behavior in our feline friends? Why do some cats continue to knead throughout their adult lives, while others seem to outgrow it after kittenhood? Let’s explore the common theories behind why cats knead and what it means when your cat decides to knead on you.
Unpacking the Mystery: Why Cats Knead Their Paws
For many felines, kneading is a behavior rooted in their earliest experiences. Kittens instinctively knead around their mother’s mammary glands while nursing. This action is crucial as it stimulates milk flow, ensuring they get the nourishment they need. Beyond the physical benefit, nursing is also associated with comfort and security, thanks to the mother cat’s calming pheromones. This early association creates a powerful link between kneading and feelings of contentment, which many cats carry into adulthood. For these cats, the act of kneading becomes a self-soothing behavior, a way to recapture that primal sense of calm and relaxation they experienced as kittens.
However, the kneading instinct isn’t solely tied to kittenhood comforts. Observing wild cat species reveals that they, too, engage in kneading behaviors. In their natural habitats, wild felines will knead soft grasses and leaves to create comfortable nests for resting. This serves a practical purpose: to prepare a soft and safe sleeping area. Domestic cats may have inherited this instinct, applying it to their beds, blankets, and other preferred lounging spots within our homes.
Adding another layer to this behavior, cats possess scent glands located between their toes. Each time a cat kneads, these glands are activated, depositing their unique scent onto the surface. This scent marking serves as a territorial claim. By kneading on objects or even their human companions, cats are subtly announcing “This is mine!” to the world, or at least to any other cats who might be lurking. Some feline experts also suggest that kneading provides a good stretch for a cat’s muscles, relieving tension and keeping their limbs limber.
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.
Why Blankets Become Biscuit Factories: Kneading Soft Objects
Why do cats seem particularly drawn to blankets and other soft items for their kneading sessions? The reasons are multifaceted, often echoing the same motivations behind general kneading behavior, but with specific nuances related to the texture and purpose of these comforting objects:
- Seeking Comfort and Stress Relief: The soft texture of a blanket can strongly mimic the comforting feel of their mother’s fur during nursing. For anxious or stressed cats, kneading a blanket can be a therapeutic activity, helping them to self-soothe and reduce tension. You might even observe some cats suckling on the blanket while kneading, further emphasizing the link to nursing and early comfort.
- Preparing a Cozy Bed: Just as their wild ancestors knead down grass, domestic cats may knead blankets to create a more comfortable and inviting sleeping space. They are essentially fluffing and softening their bedding to achieve the perfect level of comfort before settling down for a nap.
- Claiming Territory: Blankets readily absorb scents, making them ideal canvases for a cat’s territorial marking. By kneading a blanket, a cat effectively labels it as theirs, depositing pheromones from their paw glands. This scent marking reinforces their ownership and provides a sense of security within their environment.
The Ultimate Sign of Affection? Why Cats Knead On You
When your feline companion chooses you as the target for their kneading endeavors, it’s a truly special interaction. The reasons behind kneading on you often mirror those for kneading blankets – relaxation, stress relief, and preparing a comfy spot. You might notice your cat kneading on your lap or stomach right before curling up for a nap, essentially treating you as a warm, soft, and very large blanket.
However, kneading on you often carries an extra layer of meaning: affection and bonding. Think back to kittenhood; kneading was a behavior directed at their mother, associated with nourishment, warmth, and security. When a cat kneads on you, they are transferring that deeply ingrained association to your relationship. It’s a significant compliment, signifying they feel comfortable, safe, and affectionate towards you.
Furthermore, by kneading on you, your cat is also marking you with their scent, just as they would a blanket or toy. They are claiming you as part of their inner circle, solidifying your bond through this intimate and instinctual behavior. Consider it a purrsonalized declaration of love, feline style!
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: Decoding Excessive Biscuit Making
While kneading is generally a normal and healthy cat behavior, there are instances where increased or excessive kneading might signal an underlying issue. The act of kneading triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and pain relief, in a cat’s brain. This feel-good chemical reinforces the kneading behavior.
If you notice your cat kneading far more frequently than usual, it could be an indicator that they are experiencing discomfort or anxiety. The increased kneading might be their attempt to self-soothe and cope with these negative feelings by seeking that dopamine release.
Paradoxically, the dopamine release itself can also contribute to excessive kneading. The pleasurable sensation can become reinforcing, potentially leading to a compulsive behavioral pattern where the cat kneads repeatedly to chase that dopamine “high.”
Cats experiencing physical pain, perhaps from an injury or conditions like arthritis, might also knead more to stretch their sore limbs and alleviate muscle tension. If you observe a sudden increase in your cat’s kneading frequency, especially if accompanied by other behavioral changes or signs of discomfort, it’s prudent to consult with your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues and provide appropriate guidance.
Managing the Knead: How to Redirect “Biscuit Making”
For most cat owners, kneading is an accepted and even appreciated quirk of feline companionship. However, those sharp little claws can sometimes make kneading sessions on your skin or furniture less enjoyable. While it’s important to remember that kneading is an instinctual behavior that shouldn’t be suppressed, you can certainly guide your cat towards more appropriate kneading outlets.
Proactive Steps: What You Should Do
-
Consult Your Veterinarian: If you suspect your cat’s kneading is linked to stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition, your first step should be a veterinary consultation. Your vet can assess your cat’s overall health and behavior, and recommend solutions ranging from anxiety medications or supplements to pheromone diffusers like Feliway® or calming food supplements such as Purina® Calming Care. Addressing the root cause of excessive kneading is key to long-term management.
-
Positive Reinforcement and Redirection: Instead of punishment, focus on positive reinforcement. Identify suitable kneading targets, such as a thick blanket placed on the couch or a designated scratching post with a soft fabric section. Whenever your cat kneads on these approved items, reward them with praise, treats, or affection. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to redirect their kneading behavior to the desired locations.
-
Maintain Trimmed Claws: Keeping your cat’s nails neatly trimmed is a simple yet effective way to minimize any discomfort or damage caused by kneading claws. Regular nail trims will make kneading on your lap or furniture much more pleasant for everyone involved. You can also place a blanket between your cat and your skin as a comfortable barrier during kneading sessions.
What to Avoid: What You Shouldn’t Do
-
Never Punish Your Cat: Punishing a cat for kneading is counterproductive and harmful. Yelling, hitting, or using deterrents like spray bottles will only create fear and anxiety, damaging your bond and potentially exacerbating any underlying stress contributing to the kneading behavior. Punishment doesn’t address the root cause and can lead to other behavioral issues.
-
Declawing is Not the Answer: Declawing is a drastic and inhumane procedure that should never be considered as a solution to kneading or scratching problems. Declawing is not simply removing claws; it involves amputating the last bone of each toe, causing significant pain, potential lameness, and long-term behavioral problems. It’s a cruel and unnecessary procedure that offers no benefit to the cat and should be avoided entirely.
By understanding the reasons behind cat kneading and employing positive and proactive management techniques, you can navigate this charming feline behavior in a way that respects your cat’s instincts while maintaining a harmonious home environment. Embrace the biscuits – they are often served with love!
Featured Image: SilviaJansesn/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
References
Brister, JM. “Body Language of Cats,” Veterinary Partner. November 2018.
WRITTEN BY
Hannah Hart, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health…
