Cat owners are often amused and intrigued by the common feline behavior known as kneading, or as it’s affectionately called, “making biscuits.” This instinctual action involves a cat rhythmically pushing their paws into a soft surface, like a blanket or your lap, alternating between left and right paws as if kneading dough.
But what drives this peculiar behavior? Why do cats engage in kneading, and why do some continue this habit throughout their lives, while others seem to outgrow it after kittenhood? Let’s delve into the various theories behind why cats knead and what this behavior truly means.
The Kittenhood Connection: Nursing and Comfort
For most cats, kneading is a behavior rooted in their early kitten experiences. Newborn kittens instinctively knead around their mother’s mammary glands while nursing. This action, coupled with suckling, stimulates milk flow, ensuring they get the nourishment they need. More than just a feeding mechanism, nursing is also associated with comfort and security, thanks to the mother cat’s presence and calming pheromones. This deep-seated association is why many cats carry kneading into adulthood as a self-soothing behavior, replicating that early feeling of contentment and relaxation.
This link to kittenhood explains why cats often knead when they seem most relaxed and happy – purring, drooling slightly, and with a blissed-out expression. It’s a way for them to tap into those primal feelings of comfort and safety.
Wild Instincts: Bedding Down and Preparation
Interestingly, kneading isn’t exclusive to domestic cats. Wild felines also exhibit kneading behavior, though in a slightly different context. In their natural habitats, wild cats knead soft grasses, leaves, or other groundcover to create a comfortable and safe sleeping spot. This action helps to flatten and soften the bedding material, making it more suitable for rest and providing a sense of security in their environment.
Domestic cats have retained this instinct. You might observe your cat kneading their bed, blankets, or favorite napping spots before settling down. It’s their way of preparing their environment, ensuring a cozy and secure place to sleep, mirroring the behaviors of their wild ancestors.
Scent Marking: Claiming Territory Through Kneading
Cats possess scent glands located in their paws, specifically between their toes. When a cat kneads, these glands are activated, depositing their unique scent onto the surface they are working on. This scent marking is a crucial form of feline communication and territorial behavior. By kneading, cats are essentially claiming ownership of objects, places, and even people.
When your cat kneads you, they are not just showing affection; they are also marking you as theirs. This explains why cats might knead you, their favorite blanket, or a new piece of furniture – they are establishing their territory and making sure their scent is present. It’s a powerful message to other cats, declaring, “This is mine!”
Muscle Stretching and Relaxation: A Physical Aspect
Beyond the emotional and territorial reasons, kneading might also serve a physical purpose for cats. Some experts propose that kneading acts as a natural way for cats to stretch their muscles and relieve tension in their limbs. The rhythmic pushing motion can help to loosen up muscles and improve flexibility, especially after periods of rest or inactivity.
Think of it as a feline stretch routine. Kneading can help keep their paws and leg muscles supple and ready for action, whether it’s pouncing on a toy or leaping to a high perch.
Why Blankets and You? The Kneading Target
Cats seem to have a preference for kneading soft surfaces like blankets, cushions, and, of course, their beloved humans. The reasons are multifaceted, blending comfort, instinct, and social bonding.
Kneading Blankets: Comfort and Security
When cats knead blankets, it’s often linked to:
- Stress Relief and Relaxation: The softness and texture of blankets can be reminiscent of their mother’s fur, triggering those comforting nursing memories and inducing a state of calm. Some cats may even suckle on the blanket while kneading, further enhancing this mimicry of nursing behavior.
- Bedding Preparation: As with their wild counterparts, kneading blankets can be a way for domestic cats to make their sleeping area more comfortable before settling down for a nap.
- Scent Marking: Blankets absorb scents easily. By kneading them, cats effectively saturate these soft objects with their pheromones, claiming them as safe and familiar within their territory.
Kneading You: Affection and Bonding
When your cat chooses to knead on you, it’s generally considered a high compliment! It often signifies:
- Affection and Love: Kneading on you is a strong sign of affection. It’s a behavior they associate with the comfort and security of their mother. By kneading you, they are transferring that feeling of comfort and trust to you, essentially considering you part of their inner circle.
- Seeking Attention: Sometimes, a cat will knead you to get your attention. They may associate kneading with positive interactions, such as petting, talking, or treats.
- Comfort and Security: Just like with blankets, kneading you can be a way for your cat to create a comfortable and secure space, especially if they are settling down for a nap on your lap.
- Scent Marking (Again!): Yes, even when kneading you, your cat is marking you with their scent. They are claiming you as their own, strengthening the bond between you and communicating their ownership to other cats in the vicinity (if any).
When Kneading Becomes a Concern
While kneading is typically a normal and healthy behavior, there are instances where excessive or sudden changes in kneading habits 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, increased kneading could be a sign that your cat is experiencing discomfort, stress, or anxiety and is using kneading as a coping mechanism to self-soothe.
Furthermore, the dopamine release can be reinforcing, potentially leading to compulsive kneading in some cats. Cats experiencing pain from injuries or conditions like arthritis might also knead more frequently as a way to stretch sore limbs and alleviate muscle tension.
If you observe a significant increase in your cat’s kneading frequency or if it seems linked to other behavioral changes or signs of distress, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues.
Managing Kneading: Encouraging Appropriate Outlets
For the most part, kneading is a harmless and endearing cat behavior. However, if your cat’s kneading involves sharp claws on your skin or furniture, you might want to redirect their biscuit-making efforts to more suitable surfaces.
Here are some helpful tips for managing cat kneading:
Consult Your Veterinarian: Rule Out Underlying Issues
If you are concerned about changes in your cat’s kneading behavior, the first step is to consult with your veterinarian. They can help determine if there are any underlying medical conditions, anxiety, or stress contributing to excessive kneading. Your vet can recommend appropriate solutions, which might include medications, supplements, or pheromone therapy like Feliway® diffusers or calming supplements such as Purina® Calming Care, depending on the diagnosis.
Positive Redirection: Reward Good Kneading Spots
Never punish your cat for kneading. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, potentially worsening the behavior and damaging your bond. Instead, focus on positive redirection.
Identify appropriate kneading surfaces, such as thick blankets, soft cushions, or designated cat beds. When you see your cat kneading on these acceptable items, reward them with praise, petting, or treats. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to knead in the desired locations.
Nail Care: Keep Claws Trimmed
Regularly trim your cat’s claws to minimize any discomfort or damage caused by kneading, especially if they tend to use their claws extensively. Keeping their nails short will make kneading on you or your furniture much less problematic. You can also place a blanket between your lap and your cat’s paws when they knead on you for added protection.
Avoid Declawing: It’s Harmful and Unnecessary
Declawing is never a humane solution to kneading or scratching problems. It’s a painful surgical procedure that can lead to long-term physical and behavioral issues. Instead of declawing, focus on providing appropriate scratching and kneading outlets and managing their nail length.
Embrace the Biscuits: Kneading as a Sign of Love
Ultimately, kneading is a fascinating and often endearing behavior that provides valuable insights into the feline mind. It’s a blend of instinct, comfort-seeking, communication, and affection. While it’s important to manage any potentially problematic aspects of kneading, such as sharp claws, remember to appreciate this unique behavior for what it often is: a sign that your cat feels safe, content, and loves you. So, the next time your cat starts “making biscuits” on your lap, take it as a compliment and enjoy the moment of feline affection.
References
Brister, JM. “Body Language of Cats,” Veterinary Partner. November 2018.
WRITTEN BY
Hannah Hart, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health…
