It’s a fail-proof scenario. Picture yourself cozied up on the sofa, ready for a night of binge-watching your favorite TV series or indulging in a captivating book accompanied by a soothing cup of tea. Suddenly, your furry feline companion strolls in with an earnest expression on her face and a purr resonating in the air. Delicately planting her soft paws on your leg, she begins to knead. It’s undeniably cute, although it can sometimes be a bit painful. The reason behind this feline behavior is intriguing. Why do cats knead? And is it a unique trait to just your cat or do other cats do it too?
Cat kneading serves various purposes, which we’ll delve into shortly. But first, what exactly is kneading? In simple terms, it’s when a cat “massages” something using her front paws, and sometimes all four paws. Her front paws stretch out and retract, with each paw taking turns. The term “kneading” draws its name from its resemblance to the process of kneading dough. You’ve likely witnessed your cat kneading and wondered if it’s a widespread behavior or not.
Kittens are instinctively born with the urge to knead. As tiny bundles of fur, they knead against their mother’s tummy while nursing. This action stimulates milk production, ensuring the baby kittens are well-fed. This behavior is referred to as “milk treading,” which may not be as endearing as the more commonly used term “making biscuits.” Even after being weaned, kittens continue to knead when they’re content. In fact, some adult cats take this behavior even further by using their front and back paws simultaneously.
Previously, it was believed that adult cats kneaded because they were weaned too early. However, this is unlikely the main reason behind this behavior. Almost all cats, regardless of when they were weaned, engage in kneading. Even cats that grow up alongside their mothers in the same household display this behavior. Nevertheless, there are other explanations for this adorable habit. Cats possess scent glands on their cheeks, at the base of their tail, and on the pads of their paws. By kneading blankets, pillows, or even your stomach while you relax on the couch watching Netflix together, they leave behind their distinct scent, effectively marking their territory. Your cat has claimed you and likely every cozy surface in the house, and she’s not wrong in doing so.
Another theory associated with cat kneading is rooted in their wild ancestors, who roamed the outdoors without the luxury of pillows or laps. These felines would knead the ground to flatten tall grass and create a comfortable spot for sleeping. This reasoning is akin to the theory behind why dogs circle before settling down to sleep.
If your cat uses her claws during kneading, particularly on soft objects like your couch, it may be tempting to scold her. However, it’s essential to understand that cats have a natural need to knead, which indicates their happiness. Punishment isn’t the best approach in this situation. Instead, try gently guiding your cat into a lying position. Most likely, she’ll doze off peacefully. If her kneading poses a problem for your skin or furniture, consider keeping her nails trimmed or investing in plastic claw covers. But never resort to declawing, as it is both inhumane and harmful to your cat.