Why Do Cats Make Biscuits? Uncovering the Mystery Behind Your Cat’s Kneading Behavior
Cats are full of quirky behaviors that intrigue and amuse their owners. One of the most endearing—and sometimes puzzling—habits cats display is kneading, often referred to as “making biscuits.” Whether it’s your furry friend kneading a soft blanket, your
lap, or a cozy pillow, this behavior seems almost universal among domestic cats. But why do cats make biscuits? Is it a sign of contentment, a behavior from kittenhood, or something else entirely?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science and psychology behind this fascinating feline behavior, explore the various reasons why cats knead, and offer insights into how you can respond to your cat’s kneading behavior.
What Does Kneading Mean for Cats?
Kneading is the action in which a cat rhythmically presses its paws against a soft surface, alternating between left and right. This behavior is often accompanied by purring, and it’s not uncommon for cats to knead while they’re curled up on their owner’s
lap or lying on a cozy surface.
Though the action itself might seem strange, it’s quite a natural and instinctual behavior for cats. Kneading is often referred to as “making biscuits” due to the repetitive motion resembling the kneading of dough. But what does this action really mean
in the feline world?
The Origins of Kneading in Cats
To understand why cats knead, it’s important to consider their early developmental experiences. Kneading originates in kittenhood, where it serves an essential function.
1. Kittenhood Behavior:
When a kitten is nursing from its mother, it instinctively kneads the mother’s abdomen with its paws. This action stimulates milk production in the mother’s teats, ensuring that the kitten gets enough nourishment. The kneading motion is deeply ingrained
in a cat’s behavioral patterns and remains with them into adulthood.
Though cats are no longer nursing as adults, the kneading behavior is retained as a comforting and instinctive action. This is why adult cats will often knead soft surfaces, such as blankets, pillows, or even their owners, mimicking the comfort they felt
as kittens during nursing.
2. Comfort and Security:
For adult cats, kneading often serves as a means of self-soothing. It’s a way to reconnect with the comforting feelings they had as kittens when they were near their mother. Cats often knead when they’re feeling particularly relaxed, secure, or content,
which is why you may see your cat kneading your lap or a soft blanket while purring.
The connection between kneading and relaxation is a clear indicator that your cat feels safe and comfortable in its environment. For some cats, this action may be most frequent when they are being petted or cuddled, signaling that they are completely
at ease in the situation.
Why Do Adult Cats Keep Kneading?
While kittens knead for practical reasons—like stimulating milk production—adult cats knead for a variety of emotional, psychological, and physical reasons. Understanding these motives will help you interpret your cat’s behavior more effectively.
1. Marking Territory:
Cats have scent glands located in their paw pads, and kneading can serve as a way to mark territory. When a cat presses its paws into a surface, it releases pheromones from these glands, leaving a unique scent behind. This behavior is often seen in multi-cat
households, where cats may knead to claim a particular spot as their own. Kneading in this context is a form of territorial marking that communicates to other cats that the area belongs to them.
2. Bonding with Their Owner:
Cats are known for forming strong bonds with their human companions. Kneading is often a sign of affection, and when your cat kneads you, it’s a sign that they trust you and see you as a source of comfort. Some experts suggest that adult cats may knead
their owners as a way of reaffirming their bond, much like how they would have kneaded their mother when they were kittens.
If your cat is kneading you while resting on your lap or cuddling with you, it’s likely a sign of love and trust. It’s their way of saying, “I’m comfortable and I care about you.”
3. Stretching and Relaxation:
Kneading also serves a physical function for adult cats. The motion helps stretch the muscles in their paws and legs, which can provide a sense of relaxation. Much like how humans stretch after waking up or sitting for long periods, kneading can help
cats stretch their muscles and release any tension. This is why you may notice your cat kneading first thing in the morning or after a long nap.
4. Indicating Contentment:
For many cats, kneading is a clear signal of contentment. Cats often knead when they’re in a peaceful state, such as when they’re curled up in their favorite spot or receiving attention from their favorite human. The rhythmic nature of the motion, combined
with the soothing purring, suggests that the cat is relaxed and happy. It’s one of the ways cats express their satisfaction with their environment and their current emotional state.
The Psychology Behind Kneading
Kneading is more than just a physical or instinctual action—it also has psychological implications for your cat. Understanding why cats knead from a psychological perspective can give you a deeper insight into their behavior.
1. A Source of Comfort:
As mentioned earlier, kneading often harkens back to a cat’s kittenhood. The familiar action of kneading evokes feelings of safety, security, and warmth. When cats knead, they’re often reminding themselves of the comfort they felt with their mother and
siblings. For adult cats, this behavior can serve as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or uncertainty. Kneading can be especially common in times of change, such as moving to a new home or introducing a new pet to the household.
2. Exploring Environmental Changes:
Cats are sensitive creatures that can be affected by changes in their environment. Kneading may be a coping mechanism when they’re adapting to a new space or when they’re uncertain about their surroundings. If your cat begins kneading in a new location,
it might be signaling its attempt to mark the area as familiar and comfortable. This behavior can also be seen when a cat is placed in a new environment, like a new bed or a new room in the house.
How to Respond to Your Cat’s Kneading
While kneading is a perfectly natural and harmless behavior, some owners might find it a little too intense, especially if the cat’s claws dig into their skin. Here are a few tips on how to respond to your cat’s kneading behavior:
1. Provide Soft, Comfortable Surfaces:
If your cat frequently kneads your lap or body, it might be helpful to provide a designated soft surface, such as a plush blanket or a special bed. This way, your cat can knead to its heart’s content without causing discomfort to you. If your cat’s kneading
becomes too forceful, a soft, cushioned area might offer a better alternative.
2. Regular Nail Trimming:
If your cat’s claws are too sharp, kneading can sometimes become a bit painful. Regular nail trimming will help minimize any discomfort caused by your cat’s kneading action. If your cat doesn’t enjoy having its nails trimmed, you can also consider using
cat claw covers as a temporary solution.
3. Encourage Positive Reinforcement:
If your cat is kneading as a sign of affection, it’s important to offer positive reinforcement. Pet your cat gently and let them know you appreciate their affection. This can strengthen the bond between you and your cat and create a calm, trusting environment.
4. Avoid Discouraging the Behavior:
Kneading is a natural and comforting behavior for cats, and it’s not something you should try to stop completely. Instead, redirect the behavior if it’s causing discomfort. Gently move your cat to a more suitable location or provide a soft blanket for
them to knead on.
Conclusion
Kneading, or “making biscuits,” is one of the many charming behaviors that make cats so unique. Whether it’s an instinct from kittenhood, a sign of affection, or simply a way for your cat to feel comfortable and relaxed, kneading serves a variety of important
functions in a cat’s life.
By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, you can better appreciate what your cat is trying to communicate. Kneading is an expression of love, comfort, and security, and when your cat kneads you, they’re offering a very special gesture of trust
and affection. So the next time your cat starts making biscuits, remember that it’s a sign of contentment, a bonding experience, and a reminder of the deep, instinctual behaviors that make our feline companions so endearing.
