Why Do Cats Knead? Exploring This Common Behaviour

If you’ve ever noticed your cat rhythmically pushing their paws against a soft surface—whether it's your lap, a blanket, or even the carpet—you’ve witnessed a behaviour known as "kneading." This common cat action is both fascinating and adorable, often leaving cat owners wondering why their furry friends do it.

While kneading is a natural and instinctive behaviour, its exact reasons can vary. In this blog, we’ll explore the different theories behind why cats knead, when they are most likely to do it, and whether you should ever be concerned about this habit.

What Is Kneading?

Kneading, sometimes called "making biscuits" due to its resemblance to the way bakers knead dough, involves a cat alternating between pushing their front paws down on a soft surface in a rhythmic, repeating motion. Some cats extend and retract their claws as they knead, while others keep their claws retracted.

Cats often purr or appear relaxed while kneading, and this behaviour can be directed at a range of soft surfaces, from blankets to their owners' laps. Although it might seem puzzling, kneading is a normal and natural behaviour that almost all cats display at some point in their lives.

Why Do Cats Knead?

There are several theories about why cats knead. While the behaviour is well-documented, the reasons behind it can vary depending on the cat and their environment. Here are some of the most commonly accepted explanations:

1. Instinct from Kittenhood

The most widely accepted theory is that kneading is a behaviour cats learn as kittens. When nursing, kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. This kneading instinct is associated with comfort and warmth. Even as adult cats, they may continue to knead when they feel content, relaxed, or safe, as it reminds them of the nurturing moments from their early life.

2. Marking Territory

Cats have scent glands in their paws, and kneading may be a way for them to mark their territory. When your cat kneads a surface, they release pheromones from these glands, which can mark the area as theirs. This may explain why cats often knead their favourite spots or people—they’re leaving a scent marker that claims ownership.

3. Preparing a Comfortable Spot

In the wild, cats knead to create a comfortable, soft place to rest. This behaviour may have been passed down from their ancestors, who would knead grass or leaves to create a safe, cozy nesting area. Even though domestic cats no longer need to build a nest, the instinct to knead may remain as a way to prepare a comfortable resting spot.

4. Showing Affection

Kneading can also be a sign of affection. When your cat kneads your lap or a blanket next to you, they may be expressing their contentment and trust. Cats often knead when they feel safe and secure, which is why many owners see kneading as a sign of affection or bonding.

5. Stress Relief

Kneading can be soothing for cats and may serve as a form of stress relief. Much like humans use certain habits or repetitive motions to relax, cats may knead to calm themselves. If your cat is kneading when they seem anxious or upset, it could be their way of self-soothing.

When Do Cats Knead?

While kneading can happen at any time, there are certain situations where cats are more likely to engage in this behaviour:

1. When They're Relaxing

Cats often knead when they’re feeling comfortable and relaxed. This might happen when they’re sitting on your lap, lying in their favourite spot, or preparing for a nap. If your cat kneads before settling down, it’s likely part of their winding-down routine.

2. During Bonding Moments

If your cat kneads while sitting with you, it could be their way of showing affection and bonding. Cats that feel close to their owners might knead as part of their way of expressing trust and love. Some cats even combine kneading with purring, creating a truly relaxing and loving moment.

3. Before Sleep

Many cats knead right before falling asleep, especially if they’re on a soft surface like a blanket or cushion. This ties into the theory that cats knead to make their sleeping area more comfortable, a behaviour inherited from their wild ancestors.

4. When Feeling Anxious

Some cats knead more when they’re stressed or anxious. Just like humans may fidget or pace, cats can use kneading as a way to cope with anxiety. If your cat is kneading in situations where they seem uncomfortable, such as during a thunderstorm or a vet visit, it may be their way of calming down.

Should You Be Concerned About Kneading?

In most cases, kneading is completely harmless and nothing to worry about. However, there are a few instances where kneading might require some attention:

1. Claws and Kneading

One of the downsides of kneading is that cats may extend their claws while doing it, which can lead to scratched skin or snagged fabric. If your cat kneads your lap and extends their claws, it can be uncomfortable. To avoid this, you can gently place a thick blanket on your lap when your cat starts kneading, or regularly trim their claws to reduce the risk of scratches.

2. Excessive Kneading

If your cat is kneading excessively, especially if they seem anxious or stressed, it may be a sign of underlying tension. Excessive kneading can sometimes indicate that your cat is using the behaviour to soothe themselves in a stressful situation.

In this case, try to identify any potential stressors in their environment and provide a calming, comfortable space for them to relax. If the behaviour persists, consult your vet for advice.

3. Kneading and Suckling

Some cats, particularly those that were weaned too early, may knead and suckle on blankets or fabric. While this is generally harmless, it can become a habit that’s difficult to break. If your cat is kneading and suckling frequently, try offering alternative comforts like soft toys or redirecting their attention with interactive play.

How to Encourage or Redirect Kneading Behaviour

If you love when your cat kneads, you can encourage the behaviour by providing soft, comfortable surfaces like blankets or cushions where they can knead to their heart’s content. You can also reward them with gentle petting or treats when they knead in appropriate places, reinforcing the behaviour.

However, if your cat’s kneading is causing damage to furniture or leading to uncomfortable scratches, you can gently redirect the behaviour by providing alternative spots for them to knead. Offering scratching posts, soft toys, or cozy blankets can give your cat a safe outlet for their kneading instincts.

Conclusion

Kneading is a common and natural behaviour in cats that serves a variety of purposes, from showing affection to marking territory. Whether your cat kneads as a way to relax, express love, or prepare a comfortable spot, it’s generally a positive behaviour that reflects their contentment and comfort.

While kneading can sometimes involve sharp claws or become excessive, it’s usually harmless and can be managed with a bit of care. By understanding why cats knead and when they’re most likely to do it, you can enjoy this unique and endearing behaviour as part of your cat’s personality.