Have you ever watched — or felt — your cat press her front paws against a soft surface and then rhythmically extend and close her little toes? If so, you’re familiar with every cat’s natural ability to make biscuits, otherwise known as cat kneading. The adorable nickname refers to the movement of the feet, reminiscent of a baker’s hands kneading dough.
Like the cat love bite and cat zoomies, cat kneading is a healthy cat behavior, but it can be a bit confusing – especially if your cat chooses you as their favorite place to knead. Here, experts explain why cats knead and what it means when your cat is making biscuits.
What is cat kneading?
Kittens knead as part of how they nurse, because it helps their mothers produce milk. Rubbing can also release mammary pheromones, or soothing scents that emanate from their mother’s nipples, which keep kittens calm.
Older cats continue to meow even after the nursing phase is over due to a concept known as “neoteny” – when an adult animal continues the behavior from earlier in life. In other words, cats enjoy being cared for, kneading is associated with it, and they may continue to enjoy this for the rest of their lives.
Most cats knead several times a day, for several minutes at a time. But some adult cats do not knead, which is also normal and healthy.
What does it mean when the cat makes biscuits?
Cat kneading is believed to be a natural behavior that our feline friends use for comfort or self-soothing. Depending on your cat’s temperament and environment, however, they may have different motivations for making a warm batch of relaxing cat biscuits. Here are the most common reasons why cats pee, according to experts.
Cats knead when they are comfortable
Generally, kneading means your cat is comfortable, or has gotten there. According to our experts, cats often seek out warm, soft surfaces to cuddle when they’re feeling calm — which could include a cozy chair, their favorite person’s lap or even another cuddly pet in household. Some cats may be motivated to rub by the texture or scent of a particular material they like. Others are less picky, and work with the closest thing they can find.
Cats knead to relieve anxiety or stress
Cats that seek comfort rather than comfort may look to kneading as a way of calming themselves. One way to tell if your cat is kneading to relieve anxiety is by noting the frequency and length of their biscuit-making sessions. These usually last a few minutes, or even just a few seconds, depending on the cat and their usual habits. However, when a cat is anxious or stressed, they may wet themselves more often or for longer periods of time.
If your cat’s kneading habits increase or decrease, or your cat kneads to the exclusion of other behaviors such as sitting, playing, grooming, sleeping or eating, it’s a good idea to consult to a veterinarian.
Cats make cookies to get ready for bed — or another nap
Cats love kneading before they sleep or relax — with the soft surface a particular favorite. Pre-nap cat kneading is like a dog scratching and becoming a nest. And since it’s normal for cats to sleep 15 hours a day, it’s really no wonder why cats are so familiar with the art of biscuit making!
Cats knead to spread their scent
Cats can also rub to leave their scent in place, such as when they rub their cheeks on objects to mark them. Leaving scent marks is part of cat territory management, or how cats claim a certain area as their own. Along with kneading, cats have a variety of ways to do this, including scratching and urine marking.
Like their cheeks, a cat’s front paws have scent glands, or glands that contain pheromones unique to that cat. Diffusing their scent around them helps give cats a sense of comfort and confidence as they move about their habitat, and owners should facilitate this.
Why do cats chew on their owners?
Cat scratching may be a way of marking territory. Scent is an important factor — and cats in a household with lots of moggies may be using the exercise to show others that they have it all to themselves. Comfort is another motivation: some cats find nothing more soothing after a hard day or on a cold night than on their owner’s lap, where they can indulge in a little kneading if they feel like it. is comfortable.
So what should you do if your cat wants to make you biscuits? As long as you and your cat are happy, just sit back and enjoy this quality time together — and soak up the attention and love from your beloved pet.
Why do cats knead after biting?
Cat kneading can make pets feel incredibly comforted and entertained. It can be so relaxing, in fact, that it can be combined with drooling or even cat love bites, which can be brought to moments when cats feel a strong sense of bonding. Your furry friend may gently take part of your closest body part in their mouth – a normal behavior.
Instinct can also come into play if your cat kneads after biting. Because kneading was once associated with grooming and feeding, the lines between the behaviors can be blurred for your pet.
However, it’s important to remember that love bites are playful, and they don’t damage the skin, according to experts. If your cat bites harder while kneading, these are more likely causes:
- Your cat is overstimulated. Cats who use kneading to help them calm down when they feel anxious may find the additional stimulation of touch difficult at this point.
- Your cat likes to be left alone. Some cats just prefer to make biscuits on their own, without fuss or interaction.
- Your cat is disruptive. If cats are prevented from doing their kneading, they can become frustrated, which can lead to mouthing or biting.
- Your cat is anxious. Some cats may bite harder while kneading as a sign that they are stressed or in pain. See the vet if you notice your cat scratching too often or for a long time as well as biting.
What should you do when a cat purrs?
Less is more: if your cat starts massaging, as a rule, it’s a good idea to stay to yourself. Interrupting this entertaining exercise for your pet can cause them some anxiety, and behavioral issues may arise.
However, if your cat’s biscuit-making begins to include unwanted behavior, or they are in danger of hurting someone or something with their claws, experts recommend that owners cat came in. kneading:
Keep your cat’s nails trimmed
When cats make biscuits, they often grab with their toes, but they usually don’t extend their claws. However, it’s still a good idea to keep their nails trimmed to protect soft surfaces, especially if they like to graze on your skin. If you’re experiencing any discomfort from your cat’s scratching behavior, you can also try placing a thick blanket between their paws and your skin.
Create a space specifically for making cat biscuits
If your cat’s scratching is causing damage to something like a piece of furniture or a blanket, putting a blanket in place to protect it or redirecting them to a completely new location may help. If your kitty’s favorite place to cuddle seems to be an expensive cushion or luxurious leather sofa, find a substitute they’re more likely to enjoy, such as a relaxing heating pad or something made of a similar fabric that you don’t mind. . getting a few marks here and there. That way, your cat can get wet and you can enjoy some peace of mind.
Reward your cat for kneading in a new safe place
If you’re trying to redirect a cat to wet somewhere else, reward your desired behavior with praise, hugs, and treats. Chewing can be as important a part of a cat’s routine as sleeping or eating, and it’s not kind or realistic to expect your beloved pet to provide it if it’s too much of a hassle for you.
Speak to a veterinarian if you notice aggression
Some cats get very excited while kneading, especially if you pet them. Some cat owners may find that this playful energy spills over into aggression. It is worth consulting a veterinarian or cat trainer to learn ways to prevent this behavior.
Ultimately, kneading is a healthy way for cats to signal that they are comfortable, getting ready for sleep or want to be more relaxed in their environment. Creating the right conditions for your cat to knead can be essential to a healthy, happy life for your beloved friend.
