Cat kneading, often known as making biscuits,’ is a cute behaviour that they do when they’re having a good time! You might be wondering why they do this and want to know why they do it, which is why we’ve put up this helpful guide to tell you all you need to know. Cat kneading is a frequent cat behaviour that involves the rhythmic pressing in and out of their paws at alternating periods. Many people mistakenly believe they are kneading dough, which is why it is affectionately referred to as making biscuits. When they’re having a good fuss, cats love to do this on soft surfaces like comfortable blankets, bouncy cushions, or, most popularly, your lap!
If you have a cat who does this, you might be curious as to why cats knead. This is why we’ve compiled this piece so you may learn the truth about your kitty pal’s baking habits.
What is cat kneading?
Although most cats knead, not all do so in the same way. The subsequent actions may differ from the motion of their paws, which is typically the same. Some purr loudly, while others purr quietly; some purr with only their front paws, while others utilize all four. At the very least, most cats will do the standard biscuit-making manoeuvre. Furthermore, it’s very uncommon for cats to appear trance-like during kneading, with their eyes practically glazed over. This just indicates they’re unconcerned about anything.
Why do cats knead? What does it mean when a cat kneads?
Cats knead blankets or other soft items for a variety of reasons. Kneading is a common way for cats to express their happiness. To indicate their affection and satisfaction, your cat may knead on your lap. Kneading might help an anxious cat relax and unwind. Kneading is an inherent behaviour that cats have when they were kittens. Kittens will paw at their mothers’ stomachs to increase milk flow from their teats when they feed on them. Because they’re anticipating the milk that used to come with the movement, cats may dribble or suckle at a soft item such as a blanket or pillow while performing it.
While it may appear weird that cats continue to knead as they get older, the Blue Cross says it’s actually a tremendous compliment for you since it signifies they feel happy, safe, and reassured with you, just like they did with their mother!
Making a nest
Another idea concerning cat kneading is that it is a feral cat behaviour handed down through the generations. To relax and sleep, wild cats will paw at mounds of leaves or tall grass to make a nest for themselves and their pups. They’re not just making a fluffy nest on the ground – similar to how we fluff pillows – but they’re also keeping an eye out for predators, prey, or harmful objects concealed in the undergrowth. So, if your domestic cat does this to your lap, it might be a result of their wild past!
Marking territory
Because their paws include smell glands that emit pheromones, a one proposed explanation for why cats knead is that they’re trying to establish their territory. They activate these smell glands by pressing their paws in and out, so they might be doing it on your lap to brand you as their own and warn other cats to stay away.
Going into heat
When female cats are in heat, they may knead (also known as oestrus). According to PetMD, doing so signals to male cats that they’re ready to mate. Other behaviours they may exhibit include being unusually loud, expressing more love than normal, and demanding to go outside. If these behaviours are due to oestrus, neutering or spaying may help. Neutering, of course, can help prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as certain illnesses. Check out our cat neutering FAQs for more information.
What to do if your cat kneading hurts you
Some cats knead with their claws extended, making it appear as though they’re using your lap as a pin cushion! You should never reprimand them for it because it’s an innate behaviour and they’re only reciprocating your affection, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the danger of scratches to your body.
If your cat’s claws are digging in too deeply, consider putting a soft barrier between you and them, such as a pillow or a blanket. You may also stroke and gently push your cat down into your lap to encourage them to lie down and rest. Distract your cat with a fun toy and they’ll quit digging their claws into your lap in no time. Hopefully, it answers the burning issue of why cats knead, and you now realize that it’s the highest praise your cat could bestow on you.
