Call it what you will — kneading, biscuit making, smurgling, or my human favorite, happy paws — it’s an activity familiar to almost everyone who has cats.
But have you ever wondered why cats do this? Most people assume that this rhythmic stretching and kneading of paws comes from the kitten’s memories of nursing. But while no scientific study has been done on this, the truth seems to be a bit more complicated.
Another way to mark the perfume
Cats have sweat glands on their paw pads, but did you know they also have glands between their toes? These glands secrete a scent that marks anything it comes in contact with. So when a cat poops, they claim this place as their own.
This is a form of stretching
The movements that cats make with their toes and feet are a way to stretch and get a mini-paw massage. It improves flexibility and feels good. If you’ve ever had a hand massage, you’ll understand.
They make their bed
Just like the way people fluff up their pillows and blankets before curling up in bed with a good book, cats make their napping area more comfortable. All cats do this, including big cats, whether they are in the wild, sleeping in tall grass, or in a cage, with a man-made bed.
This is mating behavior
Hopefully, your cats are spayed and neutered, so you don’t have to worry about this.
Your cat is relaxed
Well, yeah, it’s pretty obvious. In fact, it’s also relaxing to watch a cat go into kneading zen mode. And while it’s not a direct sign of affection, when a cat chooses you for happy paws and bedtime, it shows that they consider you family and feel very comfortable around you.
Your cat is stressed
Yes, it can also mean the total opposite! But when a cat is meowing because they are stressed, they will also show other signs of distress. Their bodies will be rigid, not relaxed, with their tail wrapped tightly around their bodies. Their pupils may be dilated and their ears are pinned back. They may be trying to hide, and they may be breathing heavily. So if a cat is kneading because of anxiety, they are trying to calm themselves down, and it’s pretty obvious.
Not all cats knead past kittens. But if you have a cat that has meowed their entire life, and after years has stopped doing so, you may want to take them to the vet for a wellness check. They may be developing arthritis, or feeling pain for some other reason. Also ask yourself if there are any changes around the house that might stress them out. If this is a situation that you cannot easily resolve, you may want to find a cat behaviorist to help.
One last question many people have: what to do with fingernails digging into your lap? The most logical solution is regular claw trims. (That’s why my happy paws didn’t hurt!) But if it’s not possible, put a thick blanket between your feet and your body. Or redirect them to a separate comfortable surface. Kneading should be a pleasant experience for you and your cat.
I hope you learned something new today about this fascinating and under-researched aspect of cat behavior! If you have any stories about your own cat’s happy paws, let’s discuss them in the comments.
Do you want to know more about us kittens? Try these:
