Cats kneading with their paws, a behavior often described as "making biscuits," is a common and instinctual activity exhibited by felines of all ages and breeds. This rhythmic motion, where a cat pushes in and out with its front paws, alternating between left and right, often accompanied by purring and an expression of contentment, serves multiple purposes in a cat’s life, both psychological and physiological. Understanding why cats knead involves exploring their early kittenhood, their biological instincts, and the comforting behaviors retained from their ancestry.
Kneading behavior in cats originates in kittenhood. Newborn kittens knead their mother’s belly as they snuggle close to nurse. The action stimulates the milk glands to release milk, allowing the kittens to feed effectively. This early association between the soothing experience of kneading and the rewarding nourishment and warmth from the mother sets the foundation for this behavior to continue into adulthood. Even long after cats have weaned from their mothers, the connection between the comforting motion of kneading and the sense of safety and satisfaction remains ingrained in their behavior.
As cats grow older, kneading serves additional purposes beyond the neonatal need for stimulating milk production. One theory suggests that kneading marks territory. Cats have scent glands located in the soft pads on the bottoms of their paws. When they knead, these glands release their scent onto the surface being worked on, which could be a soft blanket, a lap, or any other resting area. This scent-marking behavior is a way for cats to claim their territory and make their environment feel more secure and familiar. By embedding their scent, cats create an environment that smells like them, which can be comforting in territories shared with other pets or in new and unfamiliar places.
Kneading also appears to be associated with the preparation of a sleeping area. In the wild, the ancestors of domestic cats would pat down tall grass or leaves to create a soft and secure nesting spot for resting or giving birth. The kneading behavior seen in domestic cats may be a residual instinct from this practice. By kneading blankets or cushions, cats might be trying to create a comfortable spot to lie down, just as their ancestors did in nature.
Additionally, kneading is thought to be a sign of affection and contentment. Cats often knead their owners or the soft surfaces around them when they feel happy and relaxed. This behavior is generally accompanied by purring, which is universally recognized as a sign of a cat’s pleasure. Kneading can be a cat’s way of showing love and comfort with their human companions, akin to cuddling or snuggling. When a cat kneads a person, it often indicates a strong bond between the cat and its owner, reflecting trust and well-being.
Moreover, the physical act of kneading can have therapeutic benefits for cats. The motion can help increase blood flow and aid in the flexibility and suppleness of their paws. Regular kneading helps keep the muscles and joints in the paws active and healthy, which is particularly beneficial as cats age and potentially face issues such as arthritis. The action helps maintain their paws in good condition, ensuring they retain their agility and mobility.
Despite the many positive and natural reasons behind kneading, for some pet owners, the behavior can be problematic, especially if the cat has sharp claws that might inadvertently cause scratches or damage to soft furnishings. In such cases, managing kneading behavior involves providing cats with appropriate alternatives such as pet beds, pads, or cat trees where they can freely engage in their instinctual kneading without causing harm or inconvenience.
In summary, kneading is a multifaceted behavior with roots in a cat’s early life experiences as well as their evolutionary history. Originally a vital part of kittenhood to stimulate mother’s milk, it evolves to serve other significant functions such as territory marking, creating a comfortable resting area, and expressing affection and contentment. Kneading is both a natural and essential part of a cat’s repertoire of behaviors, offering both psychological comfort and physiological benefits. By understanding the reasons behind kneading, cat owners can better appreciate this charming behavior and provide their feline friends with an environment where they can express this instinctive activity safely and enjoyably.