What Is Cat Kneading, and Why Do Cats Do It?
- The Team at Around the World
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Photo by Alex Preusser on Unsplash
Cat kneading, lovingly called “making biscuits” among pet parents, is completely normal (and totally adorable!) behavior. Cats knead for lots of reasons, and it’s usually nothing to be concerned about.
But why do they like making biscuits so much, and what exactly does it mean? Here, we’ll answer all your questions about cat kneading, so let’s dive in!
The Takeaways
Cat kneading, also called making biscuits, is when a cat rhythmically pushes one paw at a time against something soft.
Kneading is completely normal cat behavior and is usually no cause for concern.
Cats knead because of instinct, for comfort, to mark their territory, to stretch, or because it’s mating season.
If your cat suddenly starts kneading excessively, it could indicate that there’s a problem and they’re trying to make themselves feel better.
Table of Contents
What Is Cat Kneading?
Why Does My Cat Knead?
How to Manage Cat Kneading
When to Be Concerned about Kneading
What Is Cat Kneading?
Photo by Anton Lochov on Unsplash
Kneading is when a cat rhythmically pushes one paw at a time against something soft. The motion looks similar to the way a baker would look while kneading dough, hence the term “making biscuits.”
You may have noticed your cat kneading cushions, blankets, their bed, or even your lap or stomach! This is perfectly normal behavior for most felines and starts in kittenhood. Some cats outgrow it, while others continue to knead their whole lives.
Similarly, not all cats knead the same way. Some make biscuits with their toes stretched out and their claws fully extended. Other kitties will only slightly flex their toes and will keep their claws mostly in.
Just like no two people are alike, no two cats are alike!
Why Does My Cat Knead?
Nobody can be 100% certain of the reason cats knead (or do anything else, like get the zoomies). After all, they can’t talk, and we can’t read their minds! But experts have several theories why felines engage in this behavior. Let’s take a look.
Because of Instinct
As a kitten, your cat kneaded their mother’s tummy to stimulate milk production while nursing. Kittens don’t have to learn how to do this; it comes naturally! Just like a newborn baby instinctively opens their mouth and turns their head to breastfeed, a kitten instinctively kneads.
Additionally, some experts believe that the wild cats of the past would knead the tall grass where they were going to sleep as a way to prepare a “bed” for themselves. This is why you might see your feline friend kneading a cushion, blanket, or pillow before settling down to rest.
For Comfort
Mother cats release calming pheromones while their kittens nurse, which leads to a sense of relaxation in the kittens. So, even after your cat is no longer a nursing kitten, they might knead as a way to reproduce those feelings of comfort.
Cats may also knead because they’re already feeling comfortable and relaxed. If your kitty’s purring while kneading, you can safely assume they’re in a state of serenity!
To Mark Their Territory
If you’re a proud cat parent, then you already know cats are territorial. What’s theirs is theirs, and what’s yours is theirs!
Because cats’ paws have scent glands in them, making biscuits is sometimes a way for cats to assert their ownership of things…and places and people. This is similar to the way they rub the side of their face on everything in sight. (They have scent glands in their cheeks, too.)
To Stretch
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Long cat naps call for lots of stretching! After lounging around for hours at a time, your kitty needs to stretch their legs, and they might knead their paws while doing so.
Pro tip: Cats also use scratching as a way to stretch their muscles, so you might want to make sure you always have a scratching post nearby to avoid too much destruction!
Because It’s Mating Season
Interestingly, experts believe female cats may increase their kneading behavior when they’re in heat. This signals to male cats that they’re ready to mate. You’ll know this is the reason if your cat isn’t fixed and suddenly starts kneading more aggressively than usual.
How to Manage Cat Kneading
Since kneading is an instinct for your feline companion, there’s no reason to try to stop the behavior. In fact, attempting to keep your cat from kneading could be disastrous! It might lead to anxiety in your kitty and even hurt your bond with them.
But what if their kneading is really getting under your skin (pun intended) or tearing up your favorite throw blanket? Let’s talk about what you can do to save your sanity.
Give Your Cat Their Own Things to Knead
Photo by Aleksandar Cvetanovic on Unsplash
Does your feline queen have their own bed? What about a favorite cozy nap spot in the sun? Wherever your cat likes to relax or take a long snooze, be sure to stock it with their very own soft bedding.
Giving your kitty blankets, pillows, or a pet bed lets them knead to their heart’s content without damaging your things.
Put a Blanket on Your Lap
You love getting kitty cuddles, especially since they might be rare (and on your cat’s time)! But what happens when their cute biscuit-making starts leaving marks on your skin? Snuggle time quickly turns painful.
To keep yourself and your cat comfortable, put a blanket on your lap. This way, your kitty can knead all they want, and you won’t have a single scratch mark to commemorate the event.
Never Punish Your Cat for Kneading
As we mentioned, kneading is completely normal for cats. It’s in their blood! So never hit, yell at, or spray your cat for kneading. You can try to redirect the behavior by moving them to their designated kneading space, but always do so gently.
When to Be Concerned about Kneading
Most of the time, cat kneading is nothing to worry about. However, since cats often knead for comfort, excessive kneading could indicate that something is making them uncomfortable.
If you notice your cat kneading more than usual, talk to a veterinarian right away, especially if you see other signs, too, like lethargy or a lack of interest in their food.
Let the Biscuit-Making Commence!
Photo by Kris Tian on Unsplash
Whether your cat likes to knead on your lap, in their favorite sunny spot, or on their bed, those kitty biscuits are adorably irresistible! To keep your home (and skin) safe, consider getting your cat their own soft things to knead.
And when you’re ready to take a trip out of town, call our experts at Around the World Pet Resort. We provide plenty of biscuit-making opportunities to keep your precious kitty comfortable and completely relaxed during their stay.
Reach out to us to learn more about giving your pet an adventure while you’re away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does kneading mean my cat is happy?
Yes, most of the time, kneading does indicate that a cat is happy and content. If your cat’s purring while they knead, you can be pretty sure they’re enjoying themselves!
Keep in mind, however, that kneading is sometimes simply an instinct and might not have anything to do with whether your cat is happy or not. For example, if they’re kneading their favorite nap spot before settling down to sleep, they’re most likely just trying to “make their bed.”
What does it mean if my cat kneads a lot?
Frequent kneading is usually not a reason to worry. Remember, kneading is completely normal cat behavior. It’s instinctual, and most cats (though not all) knead.
However, if your cat suddenly starts kneading more often or more aggressively than normal, they could be trying to comfort themselves. If this is the case, check with your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
Can I pet my cat while they’re kneading?
Sure, you can pet your cat while they knead! In fact, sometimes your affection is what initiates the kneading behavior.
That said, your cat is unique and will have their own preferences, so they may not want you to pet them every time they knead. We all know cats are temperamental! When they want to be left alone, it’s best to respect that.
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