My cat, Mittens, kneads on me, blankets, and soft surfaces. She’ll push her paws in and out, sometimes purring and drooling a little. She’s a seven-year-old rescue, so I don’t know her kittenhood. Is this normal cat behavior? What are the possible reasons she does this “making biscuits” thing? Is it always a sign of happiness, or could it indicate something else, like stress or discomfort? Should I encourage or discourage it, especially when her claws get a bit sharp?

Answer

Kneading, often called "making biscuits," is a common cat behavior rooted in kittenhood and associated with comfort, pleasure, and communication. Here’s a detailed explanation of the possible reasons:

1. Kittenhood Association:

• Nursing Reflex: The most widely accepted theory is that kneading is a remnant of a kitten’s nursing behavior. Kittens instinctively knead around their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow. The rhythmic pushing and pulling action encourages the release of oxytocin (the "love hormone") in both the kitten and the mother, creating a bond and a feeling of comfort and security.
• Comfort and Security: As the kitten grows, the association between kneading and comfort persists. Even when no milk is involved, the rhythmic motion and the feeling of soft materials beneath their paws remind them of the security and contentment they felt as kittens.

2. Marking Territory:

• Scent Glands: Cats have scent glands located on their paws. When they knead, they are depositing their scent onto the object being kneaded. This scent marking serves as a way to claim the area as their own territory. The scent is subtle to humans but is easily detectable by other cats.
• Visual Marking: The physical act of kneading can also leave visual signs, such as indentations or wrinkles in the surface. These marks further reinforce the cat’s claim to the territory.

3. Expressing Happiness and Contentment:

• Feeling Good: Kneading is often accompanied by purring, drooling, and a relaxed posture. These are all signs that the cat is feeling happy, safe, and content.
• Affection: Cats may also knead on their owners as a sign of affection and bonding. It’s their way of showing that they feel comfortable and secure in your presence.

4. Preparing a Sleeping Surface:

• Instinctual Behavior: In the wild, cats might knead down tall grass or leaves to create a softer, more comfortable sleeping surface. This instinctual behavior can translate into domestic cats kneading blankets, pillows, or even their owner’s lap before settling down for a nap.
• Temperature Regulation: Kneading might also help to fluff up a surface, creating air pockets for insulation and helping the cat regulate its body temperature while sleeping.

5. Breed Predisposition:

• Some breeds may be more prone to kneading than others. For example, oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese are sometimes known to knead more frequently and intensely. This may be due to genetic factors or early developmental experiences.

6. Medical Reasons (Rare):

• Pain Relief: In rare cases, a cat might knead excessively in a particular area as a way to alleviate pain or discomfort. If the kneading behavior is new, accompanied by other signs of illness, or focused on a specific body part, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.