Cat Kneading Guide

Picture the scene: your beloved fur baby is having some quality time with you, and after some serious purring they suddenly start to pummel your lap - or the nearest cushion, bed or blanket - incessantly. But why do cats knead their bed, you or the sofa like this?

It’s clear that cat kneading starts during kitten-hood, but cats have various uses for kneading which aren’t always immediately obvious. In this article, we’ll look at what kneading is, why do cats knead, and why cats prefer to knead soft surfaces. 

What is cat kneading?

Cat kneading is when they push their paws up and down on a soft surface when they’re feeling content and happy, a bit like they’re kneading dough. Kneading (also known as ‘making biscuits’, ‘padding’, ‘milk treading’ or ‘doing pudding’) is often accompanied by happy purring sounds and usually happens only on soft surfaces, such as a lap or soft furnishings, and it helps cats to relax.

Why do cats knead? Kneading is a deeply-ingrained, instinctive behaviour which occurs in most domestic cats, as well as big cats in the wild when they’re preparing soft bedding materials. It can show pleasure and comfort, but some cats also knead to help them relax if they’re feeling a bit stressed.

Why do cats knead?

Cat kneading starts from the day they’re born. Kittens instinctively knead their mothers’ mammary glands to help stimulate milk flow and production when feeding. It’s thought that this behaviour releases pheromones and reminds your cat of their kittenhood contentment of being nursed by their mum. It can help to create a feeling of calmness and relaxation well into adulthood.

Some experts also believe that kneading helps to gently mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet. It’s also thought that the kneading action helps cats to stretch, release stress and ease tension in their paws. Either way, cats usually knead when they’re content, which emphasises the bond between cats and their owners, and is a way of them demonstrating their affection. If your cat kneads a lot, it can help by understanding clingy cats.

Why does my cat knead me?

Do you ever wonder ‘why does my cat knead me, rather than their own bedding?’ Although some cats like to knead their bed, or a handy cushion or blanket, most cat owners are used to their cats kneading their lap when they are being stroked and tickled in the way they like. This can serve as a bonding mechanism between cats and their owners, and is often accompanied by some pretty loud purring. 

It can be painful though, if they really start putting their back into it and using their claws. But why do cats paw at you like this? It’s thought that this mimics their kitten behaviour and helps to build trust between you. It may help to place a cushion between you and your kneading cat if it starts to get a bit much (cats seem to forget that we don’t have a thick fur coat to protect us). 

Not all cats are lap cats though, and there are reasons why cats sit on your lap whereas others don’t. Don’t be disheartened if your furry friend prefers to knead soft furnishings rather than you. If nervous cats do it when they’re near you it can be their way of showing their sense of security.

Why do cats knead soft blankets?

Cats love to knead blankets to help create a comfortable space for them to relax. An added benefit is that the scent glands in their paws are stimulated, marking their territory to secure their comfy spot. Just like their wild cat ancestors, who knead their bedding to create a comfortable nest to sleep on, domestic cats clearly like to make their own beds too. 

But why do cats knead blankets? Soft fluffy surfaces may also remind them of their mother, when that instinct to get the milk flowing can really get going. Some cats may only use their front paws to knead, whereas others might use all their paws and appear to zone out in a trance, showing how relaxed they are. If your cat doesn’t knead, try to create a warm, calming space for them to relax without being interrupted by loud or sudden noises. You can also try stroking them in the way that they like to help build your bond. Providing a special place for cats to make their own, with a stimulating environment and a safe place to sleep, helps cats to feel at home and may also stop cats scratching the carpet too.

Why does my cat bite my blanket and knead it?

If you’ve ever watched kittens being nursed by their mother, you may be surprised at how rough they can be. As well as pummeling their mum to stimulate the milk flow, they can also bite and nip her (ouch). When your adult cat kneads, and possibly bites your blanket, they might be creating a comfy sleeping area for themselves, as well as reminding them of the joys of kittenhood and nuzzling their mum.

Congratulations, you’re now officially a cat parent.

Why do cats knead their bed?

Ever wondered ‘why do cats knead their bed?’ Wild cats knead their bedding to set the scene for a comfortable sleep, and domestic cats are no different. Kneading shows that they have found a safe haven to rest. This behaviour can also help them to relieve stress, which contributes to a cat’s overall health and wellbeing. 

For clingy cats, or cats that prefer a human’s bed to their own, they may knead your duvet or pillows for the same reasons. Many cats like sleeping on the bed for comfort, companionship and security, just like they had with their mum and siblings when they were little. They also feel safe sleeping at a height from the floor, where they have a natural vantage point.

Does making biscuits mean your cat is happy?

Most cats only make biscuits when they are happy, relaxed and content. This starts in kittenhood and often continues throughout adulthood, but some cats do grow out of it. However, some female cats may knead more when they are ‘in heat’ or ‘in season’ as it’s often called. Making biscuits is what many people call kneading, due to the repeated pushing action used in baking. 

When cats knead, it demonstrates that they feel safe, secure and comfortable with you. It can be their own little way of showing you their affection. You can read more about bonding with your cat, how cats show affection and the reasons behind other quirky cat behaviours on our blog.