Why Does My Cat Make Biscuits on Me?

Cats are fascinating creatures with many interesting habits, one of which is kneading, also known as “making biscuits”. This behavior is a powerful tool cats use to display affection towards their owners. When kneading, a cat moves its paws up and down, one at a time, expanding its toes and claws against objects around them. While the exact reason why cats knead is not fully understood, there are several theories:

Comfort and pleasure: During kittenhood, young kittens knead against their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production, which is associated with the comfort of nursing. Adult cats knead when they are relaxed and content.

Territorial marking: Cats release pheromones from scent glands located on their soft pads while kneading. This behavior helps them mark their territory and ensure a safe environment.

Prepping their bed: Feral and wild cats pat down tall grass, leaves, or soil to create a safe spot to rest or give birth. House cats retain this trait but tend to prefer soft spots.

Stretching: Cats love to stretch to promote circulation and muscle health.

Health: Usually, only healthy cats knead. If a cat is unwell, it may avoid movement, though some cats may knead to soothe themselves.

When a cat kneads comfortably on its owner’s lap, it signifies that the cat feels safe and content. This behavior is considered both normal and harmless, except for the potential damage to soft materials from extended claws.

Kneading offers insights into a cat’s physical and emotional well-being. It is a sign of feline contentment and serves as a form of communication. When a cat kneads, it shows that it feels happy and secure in its surroundings.

Paw pads and scent glands play a significant role in kneading. Cats secrete hormones, known as pheromones, from the interdigital glands on their paw pads while kneading. These pheromones help reassure the cat of its safe territory and create an invisible map for other cats to follow.

Comfort and contentment are key factors in kneading behavior. Cats typically choose to knead on soft surfaces like blankets, pillows, or clothes, likely because it reminds them of their mother’s belly during nursing.

Female cats in heat may exhibit increased kneading behavior, signaling their readiness to mate. Kneading during this time may also provide stress relief.

Cats are territorial animals, and kneading can play a role in marking their territory. The pheromones released during kneading act as a signature scent for other cats, helping them identify whose territory they have entered.

Interacting with cat owners through lap-kneading is a sign of love and affection from the cat. Each cat has a unique personality and may exhibit this behavior more or less frequently. Building trust with the cat through kneading can strengthen the bond between cat and owner.

When responding to a cat kneading, it is important to handle the cat gently and avoid scaring or rejecting it. Redirecting the cat to a designated object can help prevent damage from extended claws.

Frequently asked questions about cat kneading address common concerns from cat owners, such as why cats knead, why they prefer soft surfaces, and why they may knead on certain people. Understanding these behaviors can help cat owners better care for and bond with their feline companions.