Kneading is the back and forth motion a cat does when they alternate lifting their paws up and down against something, says PDSA veterinary nurse Shauna Walsh. This is usually against something soft, such as a blanket, sofa, or even a person’s lap. It's sometimes fondly referred to as ‘making biscuits’.
Individual cats will knead differently, some gently rhythmically lifting and placing their paws, whereas some like to use their claws too – digging claws in as they knead.
Anyone who knows cats will have experienced it, when a cat will come and sit on your lap and knead your legs. It isn’t necessarily the most pleasant feeling on human skin when cats knead with their claws, however, it is often a real honour for a cat to want to knead on you, claws or not.
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Why do cats knead
Kneading is an instinctual, natural behaviour and begins when kittens are dependent on their mother for food – they will knead on their mother's stomach while feeding from their teat, as it helps to stimulate milk flow.
Why they continue to knead when they get older is a bit of a mystery, but it is commonly associated with positive emotions. Perhaps they knead because it feels good and is a relaxing motion for cats.
There are some views cats continue to knead on their ‘favourite’ people as they associate kneading with positive feelings of contentment they used to have towards their mum, and they want to share them with you. Cats have scent glands between their toes, meaning that when they knead, their scent is released on to that surface to mark their territory.
Another theory is that pet cats inherited this behaviour from their wild feline ancestors, as wild cats will sometimes knead their bedding materials to make them more comfortable as they prepare for rest. We also see pet cats do this on their beds and blankets.
Although the underlying reasons cats knead are not completely understood, it is normal behaviour for them. However, an increase in this behaviour could mean your cat is feeling worried and is trying to soothe themselves. If you notice your cat is kneading more than usual, speak with your vet.
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care, from How to take your cat to the vet without stress to how to get rid of fleas
About the PDSA
The PDSA is the UK's leading vet charity, providing free and low-cost treatment to pets in need. PDSA vets and vet nurses provide veterinary care and advice to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment.
To find out more about cats, including feeding, health and behaviour, visit pdsa.org.uk/cats
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