Cats are interesting creatures, with many traits and behaviors that are easily recognized as being uniquely feline-the way they curl up tightly to take a nap, for example, or their characteristic grooming rituals after enjoying a meal.
Another common feline behavior is kneading, a motion cats make by pushing in and out with their paws, alternating between right and left. Some cats knead with claws completely retracted, while others will extend their claws as they push in and retract as they pull back.
Kneading is sometimes colloquially referred to as "making biscuits," because the motion resembles a baker kneading dough. It is almost always done on a soft, pliable surface like a pillow, a comforter, another cat or kitten, or even your lap. Often it's accompanied by contented purring, and sometimes even by drooling as the cat relaxes its jaw. It's not uncommon for a cat to be in an almost trance-like state as it kneads with a steady, rhythmic motion.
Explanations for the kneading behavior vary, but it is, without doubt, an instinctive trait. Newborn kittens knead their mother's belly as they snuggle close to nurse, and the motion is thought to stimulate the flow of milk through her nipples. One rather outdated theory proclaims that cats that knead were separated from or weaned from their mother too early, and therefore continue the kittenish behavior into adulthood, yet nearly all adult cats knead, regardless of how or when they weaned. It's more likely that the instinctive behavior is simply comforting to cats. (Although some cats do "suckle" the corner of a pillow or blanket while they are kneading.)
Kneading may also go back to the days when wild cats patted down tall grass or shredded leaves to make a soft, fluffy bed for sleeping or giving birth. Through the ages, the behavior continues to be a natural part of cat instinct before settling down for a comfortable cat nap.
There's also a more practical aspect to kneading. Cats have scent glands in the soft pads on the bottoms of their paws. When they knead, some of their unique scents are released onto the surface being kneaded, and that scent serves as a kind of territorial marker for any unfamiliar cats that might come along and try to stake a claim. So when your cat is kneading your lap, he's not only telling you he feels comfortable and secure, but he's claiming you as his own. (Scratching is also a natural part of cat instinct that results in the cat leaving his own residual scent behind, as well as a visual marker-claw marks-that other cats can recognize.)
If your cat kneads you frequently, it's a good incentive to keep his claws trimmed, in order to avoid being scratched or having your clothing snagged. (Just use a regular toenail clipper to nip off the sharp, curved tip of each claw, being careful not to cut down into the quick, where tiny blood vessels and nerves are located.) You could also keep a folded towel next to your favorite chair, and use it to protect your lap as your cat kneads you with his paws.
If the kneading motion is uncomfortable enough to really bother you, you can try gently pulling your cat down into a lying position so he settles down and goes to sleep. Other tricks involve gently holding his front paws together, petting him, or distracting your pet with a toy or a treat. Pet behavior experts agree that it's not appropriate to punish a cat for natural and instinctive behaviors like kneading.
Some female cats will knead frequently just before going into heat, as a signal to males of her willingness and ability to mate. As the estrus cycle continues, the cat will make plaintive meows that quickly escalate into loud, persistent yowls that are an effort to get the attention of a male. She may also pace restlessly, mark areas of your house with urine, become extremely affectionate and assume the mating position (head low, with raised hindquarters) when you pet her. It's impossible to discourage these natural behaviors, and the best way to eliminate the symptoms associated with the female estrus cycle is to have your cat spayed.
If your cat is kneading a lot, she may also be asking for more attention. If your cat is kneading more than usual, it may be because of recent changes in your household. Any change in her environment might make this behavior escalate. If you have less time for her, she might be seeking to make it up with you while you sleep. For whatever reason, she needs more attention and reassurance for awhile, and hopefully, this will help her calm down about the kneading. Try playing with her, petting her, or brushing her at night before you go to bed (whichever is her favorite activity around you). For playing, do it until she is tired (depending on her energy level, about 5-15 minutes). For petting or brushing, however long she will stand for it. You might be surprised to find that she kneads you less because she's pretty satisfied with the attention she got right before bed.
Try redirecting your cat's kneading to a pillow. When your cat starts to knead, try to redirect his paws to a pillow. People have found that laying the cat on its side (facing away from you) and putting a small pillow or stuffed animal in front of them may make them start to knead the pillow and not you. The important thing is not to "discipline" him. He is kneading out of love and contentment, and you don't want to send him the wrong message.
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