Whenever our cat hops onto one of the soft, plush blankets in the living room, she goes into full “making biscuits” mode. Her eyes droop, her head lowers, and she starts rhythmically kneading the fabric. Occasionally, she hovers her nose just above it, clearly lost in a trance-like state, and continues for several minutes.
This quirky behavior, commonly known as “making biscuits,” is familiar to most cat owners, though it's still a funny and puzzling sight. It’s not a survival instinct, nor does it serve any obvious life-sustaining purpose. It’s just like, “Hmm, I feel like massaging something with my paws right now.”
But what exactly drives cats to knead like this? Here are some possible reasons behind the behavior:
1. Your Cat Feels Happy and Safe, Just Like as a Kitten
Kneading is a behavior that stems from kittenhood. When kittens nurse from their mothers, they knead their mother's belly to help stimulate milk flow. The cozy, comforting feeling of being nurtured might carry over into adulthood, so cats continue this kneading behavior when they feel safe, content, and relaxed.
2. Your Cat Loves You
Many of us like to think our cats love us just as much as we adore them, and kneading can be a sign of affection. Think of it as their way of saying, “Thanks for making me feel happy and safe, just like Mom did.” Even if we can't definitively prove that, it’s a sweet thought. They’re making biscuits out of love.
3. Your Cat Is Preparing Their ‘Nest'
Kneading could also be linked to their wild ancestors’ behavior. Before they settled in with humans, cats would knead the grass to create a soft, comfortable spot to rest. Even domestic cats retain this instinct, and it may explain why they knead their bedding or your lap as part of “nesting” behavior before settling down for a nap.
4. Your Cat Is Just Relaxed
Not all kneading looks the same. Sometimes, it can seem like they’re overjoyed and can’t stop kneading. Other times, it’s much more calm and meditative, almost like a stretch. This could be their way of expressing relaxation or stretching their muscles before drifting off to sleep.
5. Your Cat Is Marking Their Territory
Cats love to mark their territory, and kneading is one of their subtle ways of doing this. Cat paws contain scent glands, so when they knead, they’re leaving their scent behind. This could be a signal to other cats that the area (or you) is claimed.
6. Your Cat Might Be in Heat or Labor
If you have an unspayed female cat, kneading could be a sign she’s in heat and ready to mate. Similarly, if she's pregnant, kneading might be an early indication of labor. If you notice your cat becoming more prominent in the belly and she’s kneading on her bedding, she could be preparing for the birth of her kittens.
What Should You Do if Your Cat Kneads on You?
Every cat has their own unique preferences. Some might want to be petted while kneading, others may just want some quiet attention, and some might be perfectly content with no interaction. According to animal behavior expert Kristyn Vitale, there’s no one-size-fits-all response—it's all about individual cat quirks.
If you don’t enjoy being the kneading surface, well, tough luck. There’s no easy way to stop it, but you can minimize the discomfort by trimming their claws or putting a thick blanket between you and the kneader.
Most cat owners find kneading to be an endearing behavior. It’s a sign that your cat feels safe, happy, and comfortable in your care. So, the next time your cat makes biscuits, enjoy the little massage and remember it’s a positive sign of affection (unless she’s in heat or pregnant, in which case… well, it’s still a good sign).