Cat kneading, also known as 'making biscuits' is an adorable behaviour, usually seen when you’re showing each other affection and enjoying some ‘cat time’! You may be wondering why they do this and want to discover the reason behind the behaviour, which is why we've put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know.
Cat kneading is a common cat behaviour, often displayed as the rhythmic pushing of their paws in and out at alternating times on a soft surface. Many people think that it looks like they’re kneading dough, which is why it’s also known as ‘making biscuits’. Cats love to do this on soft surfaces like cosy blankets, squishy cushions, or most commonly your lap when they’re enjoying your interaction and being stroked and scratched!
If you have a cat that does this, you may be wondering why do cats knead? Which is why we’ve put together this article so you can find out the truth behind your feline friend’s baking habits.
What is cat kneading?
Most cats will knead, but not all will do it in the same way. Where the motion of their paws usually remains the same, the accompanying actions may differ. Some will purr really loudly, where others may do it quietly, others may do it with just their front paws, whereas some will put their all into it and use all four. Most cats will at least display the classic making biscuits action. Additionally, whilst cats knead it’s not unusual for them to appear to be in a trance-like state and look almost glazed over. This just means that they’re completely relaxed.
Why do cats make biscuits? What does it mean when a cat kneads?
There are many reasons why cats knead blankets or other soft objects. Cats often knead to show pleasure. Your cat may also knead on your lap to show their love and contentment. A stressed cat may knead to create a soothing, calm mood.
Cat kneading is an instinctive trait that has it’s roots in kittenhood but is carried in to adulthood. kitten-hood. When kittens feed from their mother they knead around their mother’s teats to stimulate the flow of milk.
This is why some cats may dribble while doing it or might suckle at a soft object such as a blanket or cushion, because they have the historic memory of the milk that used to come with the movement.
While kneading as a kitten has a purpose, in an adult cat it doesn’t appear to have any practical reason to continue but there are several possible reasons for this continuing behaviour.
- It feels good
In the same way as feeding from their mother made kittens feel safe, secure, and happy, continuing this behaviour as an adult may well cause a release of feel good neurotransmitters that create the same feeling. - They may well feel the same safety and security around us as they did their mother, and so that instinct is triggered as a ‘love language’.
- It could be an automatic reaction
It’s possible that kneading is a hard-wired behaviour in kittens that ensures they stimulate enough milk from their mother. This reaction could be triggered by a soft pliable surface under their paws.
Not all the reasons for kneading are about getting a good meal from mum however.
Other common reasons why cats knead and pad at you
Making a nest
One theory for cats kneading is that it’s a cat behaviour that’s been passed down from their wild ancestors. Wild cats will paw at piles of leaves or tall grass to create a nest for themselves and their young to relax and sleep in. By doing this to the ground they’re not only creating a soft nest – similarly to how we fluff pillows – but they’re also checking for predators, prey or dangerous things hidden in the foliage. So, when your domestic cat does this to your lap it may be an ingrained habit from their wild history! This is also why our cats have a preference for a bed off of ground level.
Marking territory
A possible answer to why do cats knead is that they’re trying to mark their territory, because there are scent glands that release pheromones in their paws. By pushing their paws in and out they activate these scent glands, so they could be doing this on your lap to mark you as their own and warning other cats to back off.
Going into heat
Female cats may also knead when they go into heat (also known as oestrus). They may display other behaviours along with this such as being overly vocal, displaying more affection than usual and begging to go outside.
Neutering or spaying may decrease these behaviours if they are related to oestrus. And of course, neutering can help avoid unwanted pregnancies as well as prevent some diseases. For more information, take a look at our cat neutering FAQs.
What to do if your cat kneading hurts you
Some cats might knead with their claws out which can sometimes feel as though they’re using your lap as a pin cushion!
If your cat is sinking their claws in a little too much, try putting a soft barrier between you both like a cushion or a blanket. You can also encourage your cat to lie down and relax by stroking them and gently pushing them down onto your lap. Alternatively, distract your cat with a fun toy and they’ll soon stop sinking their claws into your lap.
Hopefully that’s answered that burning question, why do cats knead, and now you understand that you should take it as the ultimate compliment your cat could give you.
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