Many cats love to \u201cmake biscuits\u201d on their owner\u2019s lap or on their bed before taking a nap. But where is this kneading behavior coming from? Are they telling you it\u2019s time to get baking? Or are they trying to make sure your lap is comfortable for sleeping on? Here\u2019s what you need to know about kneading.<\/p>\n
While most cats love a treat, they\u2019re not actually asking for some baked goods while \u201cmaking biscuits.\u201d It\u2019s known as making biscuits because it looks like they\u2019re kneading dough with their paws \u2014 lifting their paws up and down, over and over. It\u2019s usually just their front paws but some kitties are extra motivated and use all four paws!<\/p>\n
Some cats move their claws in and out while kneading, and they may drool a little or purr louder than usual<\/a>. They may also close their eyes or look like they are in their own little world, staring off into space.<\/p>\n Kneading is a natural behavior that helps kittens stimulate milk production from the mother cat. So your cat (or kitten) might be making biscuits to try to recreate the feeling of comfort they got while nursing from their momma. That may also be where the drooling comes in \u2014 maybe they\u2019re remembering that this behavior meant soothing warm milk in their belly. Or maybe they’re just feeling nice and relaxed. Some kittens stop kneading as they become adults, but others continue these kitten instincts throughout their life.<\/p>\n Sometimes your cat\u2019s biscuit making is a way for them to tell you that they\u2019re happy. It might also be your feline friend showing you that they\u2019re relaxed and comfortable with you. Other ways they show affection include head butts, licking you<\/a>, rubbing against you, and giving you the \u201cslow blink.\u201d Some cat breeds<\/a> are more affectionate than others.<\/p>\n Sometimes your cat kneads on you to mark their territory \u2014 you\u2019re their human, no one else\u2019s! An interesting concept if you have more than one cat\u2026<\/p>\n Cats have scent glands on their paw pads which allow them to leave messages for other cats that say, \u201cThis is mine.\u201d Kitties also have scent glands in other places like their cheeks and foreheads and like to rub them on their cat parents for the same reason.<\/p>\n Just like their canine counterparts who spin in circles before lying down, domestic cats may knead their blankets and other soft surfaces to make a comfy bed before they nap. It\u2019s probably an instinctive behavior from their wild ancestors. Some wild cats like to trample a bed in the grass before lying down. Your cat may knead their blanket to mark their territory. \u201cThis is my blankie!\u201d<\/p>\n Sometimes cats like to protract (stick out) their claws while they\u2019re making biscuits, and if you\u2019re the landing spot for your cat\u2019s claws, ouch! Kneading is an instinctive behavior for felines, so it\u2019s important not to punish them for \u201caccidentally\u201d clawing you. Instead, redirect their kneading to soft objects like a blanket or a pillow, or distract them with a toy or treat.<\/p>\n If you think your cat is going to knead on you, put a soft surface (like a blanket) between you and your cat\u2019s kneading paws. Of course, they may tear up soft objects with their sharp claws, so make sure it\u2019s something you don\u2019t mind your cat pulling threads on! You should also make sure you keep your cat\u2019s nails trimmed.<\/p>\n Some female cats who are in heat will knead. So if you notice an increase in your female cat\u2019s kneading, as well as other signs like rubbing her body on objects more, rolling around on the floor and making loud vocalizations, your cat may be in heat<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhy Do Cats Make Biscuits?<\/h2>\n
Why Do Cats Knead on You?<\/h2>\n
Why Do Cats Knead Blankets?<\/h2>\n
What to Do If Your Cat Kneads Aggressively<\/h2>\n
Do Female Adult Cats Knead While in Heat?<\/h2>\n
Is Your Cat Kneading Because They\u2019re Stressed?<\/h2>\n