Do you want to be a better cat mom and understand your fur baby better? Read on!
Cats are known for their unique behaviors, and a curious one is what is called "making biscuits." You’ve probably seen your cat do it: they’ll knead their paws on your lap or a blanket (as if they were kneading dough, hence the name), sometimes purring contentedly as they do so.
But why do they do it? There are a few theories that might explain this behavior.
To Feel Comforted
One theory is that when cats make biscuits, it’s a way for them to self-soothe and feel comforted. This behavior is often seen in kittens, who knead on their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow.
Kneading also produces the release of hormones, such as oxytocin, which can help promote a sense of security and contentment.
To Mark Their Territory
It’s also assumed that cats “make biscuits” to mark their territory. When they knead with their claws, they leave behind their scent, which serves as a “claim” on whatever surface they’re working on. This behavior is often seen in indoor cats who want to assert dominance over their territory.
Domestic cats may see our laps or blankets as their territory and will try to mark them with their scent. More precisely, kneading spreads the scent from the glands in a cat’s paws, which could be another reason they do it.
To Show Affection
Cats may also knead with their paws as a way to show affection. When they knead on your lap or blanket, they imitate the nursing behavior they displayed when they were kittens. This is a way of showing their affection and appreciation for you—actually, the more they like you, the harder they’ll knead!
You can also think of this as the equivalent of a dog licking you 🐶 to show affection.
To Get Ready for Bed
“Making biscuits” may also be a leftover behavior from back when cats were wild. In the wild, cats knead grass and leaves to make a soft bedding area before sleeping or having kittens.
Kneading helps spread their scent around, which is important for marking their territory. It also helps them loosen up the grass to create a comfortable “nest.”
To Show They’re Going into Heat
Some experts believe that cats make biscuits to show that they’re in heat. When a female cat is in heat, she’ll often exhibit behaviors such as increased vocalization, restlessness, and rubbing her body against things.
Making biscuits is another way of calling attention to herself and letting potential mates know that she’s available.
Pleasure Seeking
Another theory is that biscuit-making is simply a pleasurable activity for cats. When they press their paws into our laps or blankets, they might enjoy the fabric against their pads.
Additionally, kneading can have a calming effect on cats, just like petting or scratching. If your cat seems to be purring and kneading happily when they make biscuits, likely they’re just enjoying themselves.
Whatever the reason, biscuit-making is a common behavior in cats, and it’s one that often brings them (and us) pleasure.
If your cat is kneading on you, it’s a sign that they trust and feel comfortable with you!
Should You Stop Your Cat from Kneading?
While some people find “making biscuits” cute or even therapeutic, others may think of it as annoying or disruptive. If you are considering stopping your cat from kneading, there are a few things to remember.
First, kneading is generally considered a sign of contentment and pleasure for cats. If your cat is happily kneading away on your lap, it is probably not causing any harm, so there is no need to stop it.
However, if your cat is excessively kneading and causing you pain or discomfort, it may be time to intervene. There are a few different ways to stop a cat from kneading, but it is important to remember that each cat is different.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), one way to stop a cat from kneading is to provide an alternative surface for the behavior. This can be as simple as a small pillow or blanket on your lap.
Another way to stop excessive kneading is to provide a more stimulating environment for your cat. Distract your fur baby with a new toy or climbing structure and increase the amount of playtime you have together.
If none of these methods are working, or your cat’s kneading is causing serious pain or discomfort, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
They can help you determine if an underlying medical condition is causing the behavior and provide you with additional options for treatment.
Make sure not to punish your kitty for “making biscuits.” It will damage your relationship, and you’ll most probably get a negative reaction from them, as kneading is a natural instinct.
So, should you stop your cat from kneading? It depends on the individual cat and the severity of the behavior.
Conclusion
While we may never know exactly why cats make biscuits, it’s clear that this behavior has a variety of purposes.
From marking territory to showing affection, kneading is a common and often pleasurable behavior for cats. So, the next time your cat kneads on you, sit back and enjoy it!