Cats are fascinating creatures and have many interesting habits. kneading, or “making biscuits”. It is a powerful tool cats choose to display affection towards their owners. When doing so, the cat moves its paws up and down, one at a time, expanding its toes and claws, against the objects around them.
Nobody knows for sure why cats do it, but there are multiple theories:
- Comfort and pleasure: during kittenhood, young kittens knead against their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. This is presumably associated with the comfort of nursing. Adult cats knead when they are relaxed and to express their contentment.
- Territorial marking: when cats are “making biscuits”, they eliminate pheromones from the scent glands located on their soft pads. Cats act like this to mark their territory and to ensure their safe environment.
- Prepping their bed: feral and wild cats pat down tall grass, leaves, or soil to create a safe spot to rest or to give birth. Modern house cats keep this trait but tend to prefer soft spots.
- Stretching: cats love to stretch a lot. From head to toe and tail, they stretch their paws to promote circulation and muscle health.
- Health: usually, only healthy cats knead. If they don’t feel well, cats avoid movement as much as they can, although some cats might do this to try to soothe themselves.
When a cat kneads comfortably on their owner’s lap, it means it feels safe and content.
Although there are many reasons why cats do this, the behavior is considered both normal and harmless. Well, unless you count the soft materials a cat might destroy when it extends its claws.
Physical and Emotional Aspects of Kneading
If you watch closely, kneading offers insights into a cat’s mind. It is an important sign of feline contentness and a communication meaning. When the cat makes biscuits, it shows that it feels safe and happy with its surroundings.
Paw Pads and Scent Glands
When a cat starts kneading, it actually marks its territory safe and reassures itself that everything is fine. During the process, the paws secrete hormones called pheromones, from the interdigital glands located on the paw pads. Pheromones also have the role of reassuring their personal space and creating an invisible map. If another cat comes by, it’ll smell the trace of pheromones left behind and try to avoid that space.
Comfort and Contentment
A cat won’t “make biscuits” unless it feels comfortable and content. It is theorized that by kneading, they try to recreate the childhood feelings they had when nursing. Adult cats choose this behavior to demonstrate affection and they prefer soft surfaces such as blankets, pillows, or clothes, probably this reminds them of their mommy’s belly.
Cats In Heat
Female cats that go on heat will exhibit increased kneading behavior.
Presumably, it is a sign that they are ready to mate. By kneading repeatedly, cats impregnate their pheromones on various surfaces than usual. This might help males find them faster. Also, during this vulnerable period, it might be a self-soothing action, which can provide stress relief.
The Role of Kneading in Territory Marking
Cats are one of the most territorial creatures on Earth. Feral cats have large territories to roam around. To mark and claim their environmental surroundings, they use multiple methods, including kneading.
The pheromones released when a cat starts extending her claws act as a smelly signature for other cats. The scent is unique for each individual, so another cat will know into whose territory it has trespassed.
House cats take over this habit to reassure themselves and their safe space.
Interactions with Cat Owners
Lap-kneading is a sign of love and affection from your cat. Because cats have different personalities and interact with their owners differently, some might exhibit this behavior more often, while others will do it less.
The cat will demonstrate trust when “making biscuits”, thus strengthening the cat-owner bond.
How to Respond to Your Cat Kneading
When a cat starts making biscuits in your lap, it’s important to treat her carefully. After all, it trusts you and wants to make you a part of her territory.
Don’t scare or reject it in any way, even if the kneading is painful due to sharp claws. Try redirecting the cat to another spot or onto another designated object.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some of the most common questions from cat owners who want to find out why their cat kneads and what it means.
Why does my cat knead?
A cat that kneads means a happy, comfy, and relaxed cat. Biscuit-making is a sign of affection, your furry friend is letting you know it’s time for love and tenderness. Kittens knead on their mother’s belly to stimulate lactation and because they feel safe, and nurtured.
Why do cats prefer soft surfaces for “biscuit-making”?
One reason why cats prefer biscuit-making on soft surfaces is because it reminds them of their mommy’s belly and they want to feel the same way they did as kittens.
My cat kneads on me, then ends up biting me. Why?
This kind of behavior could be a form of play or an indication of mental overstimulation of the animal. It’s important to observe the cat’s body language before and after the incident to better understand the context in which this happens.
Why does the cat “make biscuits” on me in the morning?
Cats may adopt this habit as a way to greet their owner, to express happiness and gratitude, or to signal they want attention, such as feeding or petting.
Why does my cat knead only on certain people?
A cat may choose certain individuals due to a unique bond, scent preferences, or positive associations with that particular person.
