Even if you’ve only had your cat for a few weeks, you’ve probably seen them knead. It can be quite charming! The process, often known as “making biscuits,” is similar to kneading dough but has an additional . So, why do cats knead pllows,blankets, toys, and their owners?

Kneading with one’s paws is natural cat behaviour, and it occurs for a variety of reasons and in a variety of settings. Kneading isn’t always the most convenient thing for humans—those claws might hurt if your cat decides to knead you—but it’s a vital behaviour for cats.

The more you learn about kneading, the better you’ll be able to understand your cat and respond accordingly. So, why do cats knead their paws? There are several possible explanations.

Cats knead to exercise and improve flexibility.

Kneading helps your cat’s paws get enough activity and movement. As they knead, they will automatically stretch their paws, front legs, and even their shoulders and backs. You may notice that your cat kneads for a few minutes after waking up from a nap, and they may combine this with some stretching. They’re simply keeping themselves limber and comfortable.
Some cats mark their territory by kneading.
Kneading can also influence how your cat marks its territory. Cats’ paw pads contain scent glands, and when they knead an object, they release that aroma onto it. Your cat may knead you, their bed, a favourite blanket, or other objects to show other cats that they own them.

Kneading can help cats make their beds.

Your cat may also knead to create a comfy spot for a catnap. This could be natural, and your cat may recognise that kneading a surface can make it softer and more comfy. You could notice your cat doing this with blankets or cat beds before settling down. Some cats can be extremely fussy, kneading for an extended period of time before deciding an area is ideal and agreeing to rest down. These snoozing kitties might not want to be interrupted!

Some cats knead to demonstrate affection.

Kneading may also be your cat’s way of expressing affection and demonstrating their comfort in your company. For example, suppose your cat jumps into your lap, starts purring, and then begins to knead. When kittens are young, they knead their mother to demonstrate their satisfaction, and adult cats may do the same. If your cat kneads you, take it as a praise!

Why do cats communicate by kneading?

Okay, so there are various causes of kneading, but that still doesn’t explain why cats do it. Surely, whatever goal that kneading provides might be expressed more effectively in another way? Making a bed by shoving blankets around is far faster than kneading the same location repeatedly, and cat pee is a much stronger scent identifier than pheromones in a cat’s paws. So there’s something about kneading that cats enjoy repeating.

Kneading, it turns out, causes your cat’s brain to release dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter. This is why many cats love kneading and will frequently do so to relieve stress or convey satisfaction. This is a deeply ingrained habit that begins in kittenhood when your cat would knead their mother to increase the production of milk. Your cat may have grown up, but those feel-good chemicals are still present when they produce biscuits.

What to do about kneading?

Kneading is a normal and common behaviour for cats. Your cat probably kneads a lot, and there’s nothing to worry about.

However, in some circumstances, kneading can be difficult or problematic. If your cat is kneading you frequently, their sharp claws can be painful and possibly cause bleeding. A heavy blanket on your lap will help protect you from those claws. In some situations, your cat’s nails may also need to be trimmed.

Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed is good for a variety of reasons, but when they are clipped short, they can cause less damage when they knead. This can protect your blankets, furniture, and other items that your cat enjoys kneading. Establish a regular claw-trim regimen—once every six weeks is adequate for most cats.

If you’ve never clipped your cat’s claws before, ask your veterinarian to show you how during your next appointment. Handling your cat’s paws on a regular basis might help them become accustomed to the process and make claw trims easier for both of you. Most cats can learn to tolerate claw trims with little difficulty, but some may prefer to have their claws softly filed down with a feline nail trimmer. You’ll need to experiment to see what works best for you and your cat.

If you notice your cat kneading, rest assured that it is perfectly natural and typical. If you attentively monitor your cat and evaluate the conditions around their kneading, you may be able to tell which of the aforementioned causes is causing the behaviour. If your cat comes into your lap and kneads you, accept the behaviour — but grab an extra blanket or two to keep yourself comfy as well. Chances are, your cat is only demonstrating affection and making your lap as comfortable as possible for a snooze. Keep your cat’s claws clipped to protect your furniture, but otherwise, let him to explore his natural impulses by kneading, creating a cosy napping space, and more.

FAQ

What does it signify if a cat kneads you? 

Cats frequently lick and groom their humans to demonstrate affection. Activities like kneading, licking, and grooming help your cat connect with you. Your cat also expresses affection by pressing their head against you. 

Do cats knead when they’re happy? 

While it may appear surprising that cats continue to knead as they get older, the Blue Cross believes it is a wonderful complement to you since it indicates that they feel happy, safe, and reassured with you, just like they did with their mother. 

Do unhappy cats knead? 

According to Vitale, kneading usually makes the cat feel joyful, friendly, and safe. (Injured cats will occasionally knead and purr, which experts believe is an attempt to self-soothe, although this is a less common behaviour.) 

Is it wrong to stop a cat from kneading? 

When this happens, do not yell at or reprimand your cat. Remember that kneading is a normal behaviour, and your cat requires an accepted outlet to express their impulses. Rather than prohibiting your cat from kneading, you might direct their attention to a suitable spot.