Cats. These cute little balls of fur make wonderful companions, with their playful antics, soothing purrs, and elegant demeanor, they bring joy and comfort to countless homes. Whether they’re curling up on your lap, chasing a sunbeam, or showing off their quirky personalities (and let’s be honest, wo doesn’t love a pet with a personality?), cats have a unique way of weaving their paws into our hearts.
So, we all know that they are known for their fascinating and sometimes puzzling behaviors. They run hot and cold, and they act according to their own rules. Or so the world thinks. True cat lovers know that cats, much like other pets, are very loving animals with their own particular habits. One of these adorable habits is kneading—a rhythmic motion of pushing their paws against soft surfaces, like a blanket (or your lap!). This behavior, often called “making biscuits,” is both instinctive and comforting for cats. But why do they do it?
Well, below we will explore together this deeply rooted feline instinct, and how to address potential issues that may arise.
Why does my cat knead my blanket? | Kneading 101
So, what is cat kneading? If you don’t already know what this means, read carefully: A cat will tend to push one paw against a soft surface, then the other paw, back and forth in an alternating rhythm. Some cats push harder; others more softly. Some cats will fully extend their claws as they stretch out their toes and press them against that soft surface, relaxing as they release and alternate paws. Others will only flex their toes a bit. All these mannerisms might give them the appearance of a dedicated little cat baking cookies in the kitchen, which is why you will also see the term ‘making biscuits’ be used extensively. A common thing among most cats is that they will also seem to purr while they knead.
Why Do Cats Knead?
Just Kitten Things
When kittens are nursing at their mother’s breast, they press their little paws against her in that rhythmic massage fashion to stimulate milk production. An adult cat giving you the same treatment might be expressing the same comfort and contentment they felt as kittens when they were close to their mother. This might also sometimes be accompanied by them trying to suckle on a blanket or your shirt as well, just like they did when they were small little balls of fur.
Marking Territory/ Ready to mate
Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, and kneading helps express those scent glands. You might notice that sometimes your cat will be rubbing their cheeks on furniture or shoes, marking their territory. Similarly, kneading could be another way of claiming ownership, leaving behind their scent. Cats going into heat may knead aggressively as a signal to male cats that they are ready to mate. This behavior could also tie back to them marking their territory.
Basic Instinct
Cats, like dogs, have an instinct to prepare their resting area. Wild ancestors of our now turned domestic cats may have kneaded to prepare a resting spot—stamping down grass, flushing out hidden unnecessary sticks, and creating a soft nest for sleeping or giving birth. Even today, cats might knead to make a cozy sleeping area.
Comfort, Stretching and Relaxation
You may notice your cat kneading when you’re petting them or when they’re settling into a spot on the couch. Kneading can be a soothing activity, helping them relax or calm down in stressful situations. Additionally, after long naps, cats tend to stretch to release any tension gathered. Kneading might be part of their stretching routine, helping prepare their body for the next round of rest.
Why does my cat NOT kneading my blanket?
If your kitty doesn’t knead, ensure there’s no stress in their environment preventing them from relaxing. A cat who isn’t comfortable or relaxed is less likely to knead. For example, when I first adopted my cat Simba, she was a little ball of nerves. She seemed unsure about her new environment and often stayed hidden. One thing I noticed early on was her reluctance to knead—a behavior I had always associated with a cat’s sense of comfort and happiness. At the time, it worried me and left me wondering if she would ever truly feel at ease in her new home.
Over time, as Simba grew more comfortable and began to trust her surroundings, she started climbing onto my lap and began to knead. It was such a simple act, yet it brought me so much joy. Seeing her engage in this behavior was a clear sign that she felt safe and content. Now, Simba kneads often, and every time she does, it reminds me of how far she’s come from the timid cat I first brought home. Her kneading is her way of saying, “I’m happy here,” and it never fails to warm our heart.
However, it is important to note that some cats simply don’t knead, even when happy and content. Natural variation occurs in all behaviors. Interestingly, some cats start kneading later in life, seemingly out of nowhere.
What If My Cat Kneads Too Much?
Some cats knead more than others, potentially as a way to cope with anxiety. Overly anxious cats may knead obsessively as a comfort mechanism. If this behavior becomes excessive, consider consulting your veterinarian to rule out underlying stressors in your environment that may be hurting the cat, or medical issues. For indoor cats, confinement or environmental changes may contribute to obsessive kneading.
Why does my cat knead my blanket? | Tips for Managing Kneading
(This is the link I got the info from, to use as external link: https://www.aaha.org/resources/is-my-cats-kneading-normal/#:~:text=To%20show%20affection%20%E2%80%94%20Cats%20may,claiming%20them%20as%20their%20own.) Kneading is a natural and instinctive behavior, but it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable. Here’s how to manage it:
- Trim your cat’s claws: This prevents painful scratches and snags on furniture or clothing.
- Provide a designated kneading spot: Encourage your cat to knead on a specific blanket or towel. Or, if you want to spend quality time with your cat- on your lap.
- Use positive reinforcement: Redirect your cat gently when needed, and reward them for kneading in appropriate places.
- Protect yourself: Use a thick blanket over your lap to soften the impact of claws during kneading sessions.
Avoid punishing your cat for kneading, as this can increase anxiety.
Why does my cat knead my blanket? | Are There Different Kinds of Kneading?
As we explained above, cats knead in various ways. As with most things, there is no ‘one right way of kneading’: some purr loudly while kneading, others softly, and some remain silent. While most cats use their front paws, others might involve all four legs, which is a more enthusiastic, and yes, funnier, display. The intensity and frequency of kneading can also vary depending on the cat’s personality, mood, and environment. For example, a cat kneading a beloved human might do so more intensely after being alone for a while. On the other hand, they may knead a blanket or pillow simply because it’s nearby.
Kneading is not just a quirk. It’s most often a sign of comfort, affection, and contentment. Whether your cat kneads a little or a lot, it’s a beautiful expression of their unique personality and their bond with you. So, the next time your kitty starts making biscuits, take it as a sign that you’re loved!