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Many cat owners will be familiar with the feline kneading activity, more affectionately known as "making biscuits." It involves the kitty rhythmically moving their front limbs alternatively and can look as if they’re kneading dough, hence the term. This can often be directed onto a soft blanket or their pet parent's chest and may be accompanied by a contented, happy purring sound.
It gives us the feeling that our cat is content and happy, but what does it mean? Why do cats knead, and what does it mean if they don’t?
Here are the main reasons for kneading behavior below:
1. Kittens Nursing
When kittens nurse from their mother, they instinctively knead the mammary glands to stimulate milk flow. This action triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that aids in milk production.
2. Happiness and Contentment
Cats often knead when they are in a state of relaxation and contentment. It can be a way for them to express their affection and bond with their pet parent. Kneading may be accompanied by purring and other signs of happiness.
3. Marking
Some cats combine kneading with scratching the floor or surface they are on. This behavior serves as a form of visual and scent marking. Cats communicate their presence and territorial ownership by leaving their claw marks and depositing pheromones from their paw pads.
4. Stretching
Kneading can also be a way for cats to stretch their muscles. Some cats may perform a standing kneading motion, while others fully stretch out their front legs and body. This stretching helps them keep their muscles limber and promotes overall flexibility.
5. Nesting Behavior
In preparation for rest or sleep, some cats engage in nesting behavior. They may knead their bedding or an area they find comfortable. This action is a throwback to their instinctual behavior of creating a cozy nest-like spot for relaxation.
6. Mating
During the mating season, cats may exhibit kneading behavior while raising their tail and back. This posture and action are part of their mating behavior and serve as a signal to potential mates.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Conclusion
Kneading is something that is learned as kittens and carried into adulthood. Cats often do this behavior when they’re happy or feeling affectionate. Cats that don’t knead at all may be suffering from arthritis or painful nail conditions and should have a checkup with their veterinarian. Kneading varies between cats, with some cats kneading very regularly while others do it intermittently.
Related reading: New Kitten Checklist: Starter Kit of Kitten Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kneading?
Kneading is a natural behavior in cats where they rhythmically move their front paws, as if kneading dough. It's a behavior they acquire from kittenhood, as they knead their mother's belly while feeding. This action releases oxytocin and increases milk supply, positively associating kneading. It's often accompanied by purring and extended claws.
Do all cats knead?
While kneading is common, not all cats do it. Some cats knead very little or only at night when you're asleep. It could be that you're not noticing, or your cat has a medical condition like arthritis or painful nails. Overgrown nails may be a reason, especially in older cats.
If your cat isn't kneading, consult a veterinarian if you notice other symptoms like lameness or difficulty jumping.
Can you stop your cat from kneading?
While you can't completely prevent cats from kneading, you can make it more comfortable for yourself. Trim your cat's nails to dull the sharpness. Place a thick blanket on your lap or chest as a barrier, or use Feliway spray on a specific area. Provide scratching posts to redirect their behavior and protect your furniture.
Why do cats knead on a blanket?
Cats knead on blankets to scent marks and do this when they’re relaxed. It acts as a soothing mechanism and signifies a happy cat.
Why do cats knead on you and purr?
Cats often knead and purr on their owners when they’re feeling relaxed and content. They may also be scent-marking their special people.
Why do cats knead blankets before lying down?
Cats may do this to scent mark their blankets, show contentment, as a soothing mechanism, or as a nesting behavior as they get comfortable.
Do cats knead when they love you?
Most cats knead when they’re happy and affectionate to their owners, so there’s no doubt that they love you.
