Why Do Cats Knead?

If you have a cat, chances are you’ve seen them making a rhythmic and repetitive motion with their paws on things such as pillows, blankets, the couch or even you.  This is known as kneading, which some loving refer to as ‘making biscuits’ or ‘making bread’ as the action resembles a person kneading dough.  This behavior is completely normal in cats and it is an inborn behavior that kittens carry into their adulthood. 

Let’s talk about why our cats knead.

Cats knead to feel comforted.
Newborn kittens gently knead their mother’s belly to help stimulate the flow of milk.  This is an instinctual behavior and some cats may even dribble when kneading.  As if they are drooling over the expectation of milk.  While adult cats do not need to nurse, this is likely associated with comforting feelings.  Cats may also purr as they knead showing you they are enjoying the feeling from kneading.

Cats knead to mark their territory.
Cats can be territorial creatures and may knead to help them claim their space.  Cats have scent glands on their paws and kneading is a way of them leaving their scent in an area.  They transfer their scent on whatever they are kneading and are also letting other cats know it is their space.

Cats knead to make the bed.
While kneading is tied to nursing, there may also be another instinct at play.  They may knead on a surface to get comfortable before taking a cat nap - pun intended!  The ancestors to the now known house cat, needed to flatten out and pat down resting and sleeping areas to make them more comfortable and detect any unforeseen hazards before sleep.  So kneading may be a throwback to that ancient instinct.

Cats knead to show they like you.
Similarly to the way when a dog likes you, they lick you, cats can show their love in their own unique way as well.  It is a compliment if a cat kneads on you, as it can mean that they are comfortable around you and they want to show their affection.  And the more your cat loves you, sometimes the harder they knead. So sweet!

Cats knead to stretch.
Just as we need a good stretch once and a while so do our feline friends. When cats are kneading they outstretch their arms, simulating a good stretch. This action can help wake up muscles and stimulate circulation.

Cats knead to show they are going into heat.
If your female cat is not spayed, kneading might be an indicator that she wants to mate.  Anytime your unspayed cat acts differently it can be a sign she is going into heat.  There are also spayed cats who may exhibit the signals she is going into heat, but it is a false heat.  Behaviors such as rubbing against you, being extra cuddly and affectionate or making different vocal sounds on top of kneading can tell you your cat is ready to mate.