Why Cats Make Biscuits: Kneading Explained

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While the cats in the above video look as if they are kneading biscuits, they are actually displaying a common feline behavior called kneading. Lots of cats do it, and some owners love it while others find it annoying. As you can see in the clip, cats are willing to knead your legs, belly, or even your face! Let’s take a closer look at this curious cat behavior and the reasons behind it.

What Is Cat Kneading?

When a cat kneads something, they press downwards with their front paws in an alternating pattern. As they press, they open their toes and expose their claws. When they lift their paws, the claws are drawn back in. Cats do this on soft surfaces such as blankets, stuffed animals or their owner.

Kneading is often accompanied by loud purring. They may also put their face close to the soft object and drool while they’re kneading.

Cats usually knead when they are feeling safe and secure. Scientists define it as an affiliative behavior, which means they’re displaying their inner connection with the object or person they’re kneading. It satisfies a need in them to bond and socially connect. Other feline affiliative behaviors are nose-touching, allogrooming (grooming each other), and sleeping in the same room. Cat rescue centers can use the presence of these behaviors to judge how well a cat has been socialized.

The Purpose of Kneading

When a cat kneads, they are replicating the action they carried out when suckling from their mother to stimulate milk production. It triggers feel-good hormones and makes them feel happy and relaxed. It is a way for your cat to show affection towards you.

However, there are some other purposes as well. Cats will knead grass or other surfaces to make them comfortable to lie on. They also have scent glands on their feet so scenting is a way for them to mark the soft object (or you) as their territory.

Problematic Kneading

Most of the time, kneading indicates that a cat is happy and relaxed. However, excessive kneading or a change in kneading frequency can mean that a cat is desperately trying to self-soothe. It can mean that they are ill, in pain, or in distress. If you notice changes in your cat’s kneading behavior, you should get them checked out by your vet.

If your cat’s kneading is destroying items in your home or hurting you, there are a few things that you can do about it. Punishment will never work because this is a natural behavior. Instead, redirect the behavior towards your cat’s blanket or toys. Keep a blanket on your lap when cuddling your kitty so they have something to knead on. It will also help if you keep your cat’s nails trimmed.

It may be that anxiety is at the root of problematic kneading. Work with a cat behavior expert or your veterinarian to determine the cause of the anxiety. In some cases, pheromone diffusers can be helpful in curbing the behavior.