Why do cats knead?
At certain point, you may have caught your cat kneading on a soft object or yourself before. This action is also called “making biscuits” as it resembles the act of us humans kneading dough.
Although, a seemingly strange behaviour, it is absolutely fine and is nothing out of the ordinary for our kitties.
So, what is actually going through their little brains when they are kneading? Because it’s definitely not to improve their baking skills.
There are in fact a few theories as to why cats “make biscuits” and here are some of the popular ones:
Bring me back to kittenhood
It is a leftover habit developed during their kittenhood. Kittens would knead on their mother during nursing, and that consoling feeling resulting from it continued even when they reach maturity.
Sense of comfort
A contented cat appears to knead as a display of pleasure. This can be observed while they are being petted, or when they are getting comfy in a napping spot. Kneading on owners are also common to show their love and contentment.
Cats might also knead to relieve to relief stress and create a comforting, peaceful mood.
Prepping the sleeping spot
Alike to the theory behind dogs circling around just before sleeping, kneading can assist in making a soft, napping place. In fact, this might be an instinctual behaviour passed down from their wild ancestors as they knead tall grass into comfortable stacks to nap on.
This is MINE!
Cats focus mainly on scent-related communication, hence, depend on scent markers to mark their territory and get their message across to other feline pals. The scent glands in a cat’s paw can help leave their scent on items when they scratch or knead on it.
Stretching exercise
Cats are flexible creatures and kneading is also one way for them to remain nimble until the next cat nap.
BUT
Some cats may knead with their claws out and this may cause some problems like destroying furnitures, blankets or hurting you. To make cat-kneading an enjoyable experience for both you and your cat, you can try these methods below:
-Keep their nails trimmed and short
-Encourage your cats to knead on other items like Cattyman comfortable cat pillow instead of your lap
-Refocus her attention using treats or toy like engaging her to play instead of kneading.
Whether your cat is kneading to profess their love for you or to claim you as their territory, this behaviour is absolutely natural and habitual. Thus, we should never discipline them for it (they might react badly if we do). Instead, focus on diversion techniques to keep the trust between you and your kitty!