Cats are known for their strange behavior and kneading is one such amazing and cute behavior cats tend to display. I am sure you have observed your cat pushing her paw against a soft surface, be it a blanket, your lap or a pillow – a behavior often referred to as ‘making biscuits’. Such behavior raises a multitude of questions amongst the owners of the cat, for example, why do cats knead? Is it merely a practice they have gotten used to, or is it more a show of love? Or does it go even deeper than that? This article seeks to enter the fascinating world of cat behaviors, focusing particularly on kneading, and the emotions and instincts that animates this action. This knowledge is helpful whether you are a first time cat mom or an experienced one, as you seek to strengthen your bond with your feline friend.
What Exactly Is Cat Kneading?
Understanding kneading behavior in cats
It’s rather easy to see a cat’s kneading behavior – it is when a cat pushes against a soft surface with its front paws alternatively which is often times a slow sequence. During this action, some cats may pull in their claws and some may also lay in a soft purring sound. This action is generally followed by a loose body which indicates that the cat is already in a position of ease and joy.
The “making biscuits” analogy explained
So let us have a look at the rather unusual term “making biscuits” – it has its roots in the resemblance of a cat’s kneading action to that of a baker who kneads the dough. This is thought to be an innate behavior which starts in kittens – when they are suckling – and then is carried on into maturnity. By kneading her mother’s belly, a kitten swallows comfort and food at the same time by making a reflex that stimulates the flow of milk. However, the aforementioned behavior is known to develop to mean greater and entirely different things. Consider grown cats: They may exhibit the said behavior in a bid to mark regions they have inhabited since such movements oozes scent from scent glands in the paws onto the surface they are kneading irrespective of its grain size. Also, if your cat kneads on your lap, or when she’s being petted, it may signal that she’s contented or kisses you without the actual kiss. Kneading as well might form part of nesting behavior as it did in their non-domesticated ancestors whereby cats would press grass or leaves to form an area for resting sometimes created by kneading – a behavior on its own. The specifics of kneading may be different from cat to cat, but overall it is evolutional instinct, comfort and love to them.
Different types of kneading in cats
In my understanding, cats use kneading to express their love or content when they are seated on your lap, or when you are stroking them. Or it may be an extension of their natural instincts for nesting, like making suitable places for resting that their predecessors did. So I believe kneading is more or less an instinct, comfort and love.
Why Do Cats Knead Their Owners?
Does kneading demonstrate love?
I’ll say yes, kneading is more or less a demonstration of love. For example, when cats knead their owners, it means they feel safe and relaxed. This behavior, which stems from their instincts, allows him to show comfort and trust to the person or people he cares about.
Is it true that kneading leads to contentment and vice versa?
Kneading can be referred to as more or less a clenching of the fist and is quite common between cats and their owners. This is because the repetitive nature of the act more or less resembles a relaxed and happy state in cats. First, understand that if your cat is kneading you with their forepaws, it means that they view you as a source of comfort and security, especially if it’s done in your presence. It better explains the memories they had during their lactating days when all was provided for them for nurturing and protective reasons. When a cat kneads, it denotes peace and happiness to them, a scenario a kitten would find herself in, so every act of crawling she embeds trust in her owner which is ultimately quite endearing.
Kneading as a form of domination
As I believe, cats knead with the purpose of marking their space. Due to the fact that a cat has scent glands on its paw pads, the kneading motion can transfer a trace aroma onto whatever surface they are using. For instance, whenever I see my cat kneading my lap or even the furniture, I get the feeling that she is trying to assert herself to me or that particular place in one way or another. It seems great to think that this behavioral pattern, which is so intrinsic to cats, is related to the way cats socialize or assert themselves in the world around them.
When Do Cats Start Kneading?
Kneading instinct in kittens
After the birth, it’s as if they automatically have that ‘knee’ the urge to use their paws to knead their mothers in order for milk to flow , we can see that it’s instinctual as cats grow up and become adults they knead their paws in order to feel secure and comfortable. It is this action of kneading that leads them to feel comfortable and secure.
How kittens transition into using kneading after growing into adulthood
From being a sole means of nursing source, kneading starts allowing kittens to expand on the uses to which it can be applied especially after they grow up into adult cats. Adult cats lose the feeding dependency on the mother cat which is why kneading for them serves a different purpose, it invokes a comforting feeling which ensures them that they are safe. The transition this demonstrates is rather significant as it shows the evolution of their development from the time period when they were just starting to grow into the kneading instinction which they would use while being fed only to which it will expand as they grow older and build an attachment towards ownership which would allow them to self comfort in a variety of situations. Kneading thus instantly becomes a necessity for them once they start growing into a kitten.
Do all cats knead as adults?
No, it’s not necessary for adult cats to knead. While, in general, it is considered normal behavior, every cat has its own play style and ways to express itself. Cats exhibit a range of behaviors in their old age, with some adopting kneading as a habit over time, while others have almost completely abandoned this behavior. However, those who do knead, seem to do so at times when they are extremely content or calm. People also might think that cats that do not knead, don’t find comforts in these moments. Cats tend to show comfort in other ways as well, like purring, rubbing against me or resting beside me. I’ve concluded that if a cat kneads or not has little to do with how content the cat is – it’s simply another form of expressing themselves.
What’s the Evolutionary Purpose of Kneading in Cats?
Nursing and Kneading in Cats
There is a belief that cats knead for they believe it integral when looking to nurse their mothers. Naturally, as a biological impulse, cats would knead to ensure their mothers would produce sufficient milk for their kittens to survive. It is however understood that cats change over the years and from a kitten kneading would grow into an action that would bring them comfort, even when they were not a kitten.
Kneading in Cats as Stimulating Means
When allowing their kittens to knead them, mothers would push the kittens gently to their breasts so that the kittens can latch onto the mammary glands. For them as young kittens feeding would be the most important task and allowing a consistent flow of nutrients would help greatly. When cats knead, it activates the nerve endings in their bodies and triggers the hormone Oxytocin, which allows for the release of milk. Overall, kneading is a natural instinctive behavior that helps in taking care of the baby kittens and helps them get close to their mother. Even in older cats kneading remains linked to the initial times of their lives when they were quite literally fed and nurtured through the kneading of their mothers.
The reason behind kneading behavior for cats
For starters, I believe kneading must be something intrinsic to cats, and does not require any learning in the early stages. In fact, I have observed my cats start to knead mostly when they are feeling relaxed or at ease, and so I tend to think that it may be their way of trying to relive those early feelings of safety they had being nursed. Isn’t it incredible that we still see the remnants of this instinct, even after it has been such a long time since it was originally developed for the sole purpose of survival? I mean yes,It’s amazing. And even though I know that my cats don’t have to suck on milk anymore, I also know that kneading seems to provide comfort much like an automatic prescription refill of one’s droning instinct coupled with strong muscle memory.
Are There Different Types of Surfaces Cats Prefer to Knead?
Why cats knead soft objects and surfaces
The reason why cats knead soft objects and surfaces while purring is that those objects are similar in shape and softness to their mother’s belly during nursing. Such surfaces, like blankets, pillows and even soft clothes, pleases them. The need to purr and knead is also likely intensified by this attachment and comfort.
Things at Home Where Cats Like to Knead the Most
Cats have plenty of cues that they are in a cuddly mood, one such cue is kneading which is a massage-like motion which involves the use of their claws in a rhythmic movement. Cats have an innate urge to knead and that is why cats love to knead on blankets and bedding. These materials give them comfort, as well as warmth each time they are used. Soft textured cushions and pillows which are found in almost every house suites the likings of the felines, especially when they’re a good size as well. In many cases, cats tend to knead the clothing of their owners as well, especially sweaters, cotton, or certain knitted clothes. The reason that a cat kneads on clothes may also have to do with their affection towards their owner as well, because during this time they are marking their territory or scent around the desired piece of clothing. Last but not least, after all the kneading done on the bed or couch, cats love to knead the cushions or upholstered surfaces as well. To sum it up, cats are not picky when it comes to kneading, they will start to knead on any soft yielding surface.
Reference sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do cats use their paws to knead?
A: Cats that are domestic know one other thing – kneading or ‘making biscuits’ as its commonly known – is not only instinctive but is perhaps a favorite past time for many. When they were young they would knead the belly of their mother cat to produce milk, in adult life it would seem that cats engage in this industrious behavior simply because it provides comfort and is a signal of being satisfied. It is also worth noting that kneading may also be applicable as marking territory practices or simply preparatory measures for a certain sleeping site.
Q: So kneading indicates to you that your cat is satisfied?
A: Yes, I believe that a “cat that does kneading” is contented. Cats that don’t like doing any activity but sleeping “purr” when getting in a readied state to knead. It is crucial to understand however that kneading tends to be as not a straightforward action and so differs its purpose from cat to cat. It is not out of place to consider the rest of the body language of your cat while kneading is the focus.
Q: Are all the cats able to knead?
A: Many people report women that have cats as pets seem to monopoly the action of kneading as not every cat seems to engage in the action. I must note that some cats are more likely to knead and others simply do not seem to enjoy it at all. But if your cat does not knead do not be alarmed as an absence of kneading is not an ailment of a cat. Cats have different personalities and each of them may have other means of expressing satisfaction.
Q: Can kneading be an issue for my furniture or myself?
A: It may be an issue with clawing or pampering your cat’s lap if it’s too rough and sheds tears. In order to safeguard your couch, you should regularly trim your cat’s claws so they do not seem too harsh or get it capped. Alternatively, you may wish to get a towel or cushion or blanket that you will allow me to knead on.
Q: Is it true that kneading is a sure sign that a cat is pacified?
A: Yes. Because it resembles their mother’s belly when they were kittens, cats tend to knead soft surfaces such as a blanket. Furthermore, wild cats would knead soft surfaces for a restful place to sleep. If your cat is kneading one of its blankets while crawling atop it, it will try to make a discomfort-free location for itself.
Q: Is there a safe way for my cat to not knead?
A: Yes. Kneading is an instinct that should be appreciated and so should not be forced out from your cat but areas can be targeted instead. Mark an area for kneading – it may be a soft blanket or a cushion – then your cat will not have to settle for a hard and inconsiderate surface to knead. If your cat starts to knead a place that is other than the marked one feel free to guide your cat gently to the marked area.
Q: Do male cats knead as well?
A: In fact, they do. Kneading behavior is not sex dependent. It is also observed in all domesticated cats around the world. There may be a considerable variation in the frequency and intensity of kneading in individual cats but, gender is not a determinant factor.
