If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably seen your feline friend rhythmically pressing their paws against soft surfaces, like blankets, pillows, or even your lap.
This behavior, known as “kneading,” is common in cats, yet can leave people curious about why cats do it.
Often referred to as “making biscuits” due to the resemblance to a baker kneading dough, kneading is a fascinating behavior that stems from a mix of instinct, comfort, and communication.
Let’s explore the various reasons behind why cats knead, what it means, and how you can better understand your cat’s actions.
1. A Leftover Kitten Instinct
Kneading is a behavior that begins early in a cat’s life, specifically when they are kittens nursing from their mother.
During this time, kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, helping them feed more efficiently.
This kneading instinct is deeply ingrained in a cat’s behavior and often carries over into adulthood.
Even after they’ve stopped nursing, adult cats continue to knead as a comforting action, almost as if they are remembering the safe, warm feelings of being with their mother.
This connection between kneading and a sense of security helps explain why cats often knead when they are relaxed and content.
2. Marking Their Territory
Cats are territorial animals by nature, and kneading can be a way for them to claim their territory.
Cats have scent glands in their paws, and when they knead, they release a small amount of their scent onto the surface.
This subtle marking behavior helps cats feel more secure by signaling to themselves and other animals that the space belongs to them.
So, if your cat kneads your lap, they might be marking you as “theirs,” a sign of bonding and affection.
While you may not be able to smell the scent they leave behind, other animals could pick up on it.
3. A Sign of Comfort and Relaxation
One of the most common reasons cats knead is because it helps them relax. You’ll often see a cat kneading right before they settle in for a nap or when they’re sitting contentedly on your lap.
This action is thought to be soothing for them, much like how humans may fidget or play with objects when they’re relaxed.
Kneading can also be a way for cats to prepare their sleeping spot.
In the wild, cats would knead grass or leaves to create a soft, comfortable area to sleep in. This instinct carries over into domestic life, where your cat may knead blankets, cushions, or your lap to make their resting place more comfortable.
4. Mating Behavior
In some cases, kneading can be related to a cat’s mating instincts. Female cats, in particular, may knead more frequently when they are in heat. This behavior is thought to signal their receptiveness to male cats.
While this type of kneading is more common in unspayed female cats, it can be seen in both genders.
If your cat suddenly begins kneading more frequently or shows other signs of being in heat, this may be one explanation for their behavior.
5. Kneading as a Sign of Affection
When your cat kneads you, it’s often seen as a sign of affection. Cats knead when they are feeling safe, happy, and content, which is why they often perform this behavior on their favorite people.
It’s their way of saying they trust you and feel secure in your presence.
Though the kneading can sometimes be accompanied by sharp claws, your cat isn’t trying to hurt you. They are simply expressing their love and happiness in a way that comes naturally to them.
If the kneading becomes uncomfortable, you can place a blanket or cushion between you and your cat to soften the impact.
6. Health and Well-being
Interestingly, kneading may also have physical health benefits for your cat. The rhythmic motion of pushing their paws back and forth helps stimulate circulation in their limbs and can provide a mild stretch for their muscles.
This gentle activity may help keep your cat limber, especially after a long nap or period of inactivity.
For older cats or those with arthritis, kneading can offer mild joint relief, helping to loosen up their muscles and keep them feeling comfortable.
Though it’s more of a side benefit, kneading can serve as a low-impact form of exercise for cats.
7. A Way to Relieve Stress
Cats often knead as a self-soothing mechanism, especially when they are stressed or anxious. The repetitive motion and the sensation of soft surfaces beneath their paws can help calm them down.
Just as humans have coping mechanisms like pacing or tapping their fingers, cats use kneading as a way to manage stress and anxiety.
If your cat seems to be kneading more than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling stressed.
Providing a calm, secure environment with plenty of hiding spots and comfortable surfaces can help reduce their anxiety and give them a safe place to knead when needed.
8. Understanding When Kneading Becomes Excessive
While kneading is generally a normal and healthy behavior, there are times when it can become excessive. Some cats may knead more frequently due to heightened stress or anxiety, and in rare cases, this behavior can become obsessive.
If your cat is kneading excessively, it’s worth paying attention to their environment and overall well-being.
Are there recent changes in the home that could be stressing your cat out? Are they bored or lacking stimulation?
Providing more toys, activities, or quiet spaces can help reduce obsessive kneading behaviors.
How to Manage Kneading
For most cats, kneading is a harmless and even enjoyable behavior. However, if your cat’s kneading becomes uncomfortable, there are gentle ways to manage it.
Try keeping their claws trimmed to reduce scratching during kneading, or place a soft blanket between your cat’s paws and your skin to make it more comfortable.
Remember, kneading is a sign that your cat feels happy and safe, so it’s important to encourage this behavior in a way that works for both of you.
Conclusion: A Feline Gesture of Comfort and Love
Kneading is a multifaceted behavior rooted in your cat’s instincts, emotions, and history.
Whether they’re trying to mark their territory, relieve stress, or show affection, kneading is a sign that your cat feels secure and content in their environment.
By understanding the reasons behind why cats knead, you can better appreciate this endearing behavior as a natural part of your cat’s personality.
Whether they’re making biscuits on your lap or preparing their favorite blanket for a nap, kneading is just another way cats show their unique and affectionate side.
References:
- “Cat Behavior: Understanding Kneading,” PetMD, 2022.
- “The Science Behind Cats Kneading,” Animal Behaviorists Association, 2021.
