Why Do Cats Knead? Everything You Knead To Know

Some vets call it “making biscuits.” Others refer to it as “turning the dough.” Whatever you call it, kneading is one of the most distinctive cat behaviors. But what does it mean?

Cat kneading: the basics

Kneading – the process of rhythmically pushing in and out against a soft object – is something most (but not all!) cats do. Every cat has her own technique: some prefer eyes closed; others insist on a prickly claws-out endeavor. For the most part, cats knead when they’re in a calm, contented state and not when agitated. But why? There’s got to be some evolutionary purpose to kneading that explains this seemingly-useless behavior, right? Is it something you can get your cat to stop doing, or should you be worried if she’s doing it all the time? (The short answers: Nope and nope!)

The (many) reasons cats knead

There are actually a few natural reasons cats knead, and they start in infancy. As kittens, cats knead their mother’s teat to increase milk production while they nurse. More kneading equals more of that satiating milk. Why, then, do cats continue to knead well into adulthood once they’ve long-since finished nursing? Most vets agree that kneading is a residual behavior from infancy; the process makes them feel calm and safe, just like they felt when they were nursing. Kneading is good for more than just cozy feelings, too. As a residual behavior from their feral ancestors, today’s house cats often knead their bedding before they lie down to create a comfy, soft sleeping arrangement. This harkens back to the historical process of softening grass or leaves in the wild to create a comfortable place to rest. Dogs do it too, by circling their beds before they lie down, just like they would have done to pat down a circle of grass in the wild. As if those reasons weren’t enough, consider that cats may knead to mark their territory. Since cats have glands in only two place, their faces and their paws. If rubbing her face against the sofa is a cat’s way of leaving her scent, why would kneading with her imperceptibly-scented paws be any different?

My cat only kneads in my lap. Why?

Looks like she’s in love! If your cat prefers to knead directly in your lap, particularly before lying down for a snooze, you can rest assured you make her feel safe and content. It’s flattering, yes, but if your cat has long claws the love-fest can quickly turn into an exercise in torture! Next time your cat jumps into your lap to “make some biscuits,” cover your legs with a thick blanket or pillow to offset the unintended puncturing. Keeping kitty’s nails trimmed is also a good way to save your lap – and the furniture – from the hazards of kneading.

But my cat doesn’t knead?

That’s okay, too! Not all cats knead. It’s not a behavioral symptom of anything in particular other than a calm, happy state of mind. Your cat probably displays her happiness in other ways such as purring or rubbing her face up against your ankles.

TL/DR:

Cat kneading is an ancestral behavior. They do it during nursing and in an attempt to make a comfortable place to lie down. They knead when they’re happy and content.