If you’ve ever watched your cat rhythmically push one paw against a soft blanket, and then the other paw, you’ve seen one of the most endearing feline behaviors.
They do this on your lap or their favorite sleeping spots. It’s called making biscuits.
This charming phrase describes the kneading action cats perform by pressing their paws alternately against a soft surface, resembling kneading dough for bread.
At SCCatsWM, we see this delightful behavior in cats of all ages and backgrounds, from tiny kittens in foster care to senior cats finding their forever homes. Understanding why your cat kneads can help you better appreciate the unique ways our feline friends communicate comfort, trust, and affection.
But why do cats knead? And what does this behavior really mean? Let’s explore the fascinating reasons behind why cats make biscuits and what your cat is trying to tell you.
The Origins: A Behavior That Starts in Kittenhood
Kneading begins very early in life. When kittens nurse from their mother cat, they instinctively knead their mother’s belly with their front paws. This gentle massaging motion helps stimulate milk production and encourages milk flow, ensuring the kitten receives the nourishment they need. The behavior is deeply tied to survival, comfort, and the bond between mother and babies.
Research on feline maternal care and pheromones shows that pheromones released around the mammary glands help facilitate bonding and communication between mother cats and their young. This early association between kneading, warmth, safety, and nourishment creates a powerful positive memory that many cats carry into adulthood.
Even after weaning and separation from their mother, many cats continue to knead throughout their lives. An adult cat kneading soft objects, blankets, or even you is often revisiting those comforting feelings from kittenhood.
What “Making Biscuits” Really Means
The term “making biscuits” comes from the motion’s resemblance to kneading dough. Online communities have embraced this playful terminology, sometimes calling it “making muffins” or jokingly referring to cats as “murder muffins” when those sharp claws come out during the process. But regardless of what we call it, cat kneading serves several important purposes for domestic cats.
😺 Sign of Contentment and Affection
When your cat kneads you, it’s often a sign of affection and contentment. Cats typically knead when they feel safe and happy. Many cats also purr while kneading, further indicating a relaxed, positive emotional state. If you notice your cat kneading on your lap, consider it a compliment. Your cat is showing that they feel secure and comfortable with you.
Animal behaviorists and veterinary experts consistently list kneading among the ways cats show affection to their human companions. The behavior demonstrates trust and a deep bond between pet owners and their feline friends.
😺 Marking Territory with Scent
Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, and when they knead, they’re also marking territory. Each time your cat presses their paws against you or an object, they deposit their unique scent. This is your cat’s way of showing that they “own” you or that space.
Understanding how cats use pheromones and scent glands for communication helps explain why cats seem so intentional about where and when they knead. It’s not just about comfort; it’s also about claiming what’s theirs.
😺 Preparing a Comfortable Resting Spot
Another theory about why cats knead relates to their wild ancestors. Feline ethology research suggests that wild cats knead soft surfaces, such as grass or leaves, to create a comfortable, safe place to rest or give birth. Modern cats have retained this instinctual nesting behavior, which explains why your cat may knead their cat beds or a soft blanket before settling down for a nap.
😺 Stretching and Physical Comfort
Kneading may also serve a physical purpose. The kneading action allows cats to stretch the muscles in their paws, legs, and back, similar to how we might stretch before bed. Some veterinary professionals suggest that cats push against surfaces to relieve tension and maintain flexibility in their limbs.
When Kneading Might Signal a Problem
While kneading is a natural behavior, excessive kneading or sudden changes in kneading behavior may indicate an underlying issue. If your cat suddenly starts kneading more than usual, or if the cat’s kneading becomes compulsive, it’s worth consulting with your veterinarian or visiting your local veterinary hospital.
Some cats may knead excessively when experiencing stress, anxiety, or even physical discomfort. Veterinary behavioral specialists note that while kneading typically indicates happiness, significant changes in the behavior warrant professional attention. Your veterinary team can help determine if medical or behavioral intervention is needed.
Additionally, if your cat’s kneading is accompanied by other unusual behaviors, such as when cats suckle on a blanket while kneading (a behavior sometimes seen in cats weaned too early), or if your cat doesn’t knead at all when most cats do, discussing these observations with your veterinarian can provide peace of mind.
Managing the “Sharp” Side of Biscuit-Making
While cat kneading is adorable, those sharp claws can make the experience less pleasant for humans. Here are some practical ways to enjoy your cat’s affection without the pain:
- Keep your cat’s nails trimmed: Regular nail trimming reduces discomfort during kneading sessions. If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s claws safely, ask your veterinary team for guidance.
- Place a thick blanket on your lap: A soft barrier protects your skin while still allowing your cat to knead comfortably.
- Redirect to appropriate surfaces: If you want your cat to knead elsewhere, gently move them to a designated cat bed or cushion.
- Don’t punish the behavior: Never try to forcefully stop a cat from kneading by pushing them away harshly. Kneading is a natural, instinctual behavior, and your cat is expressing trust and affection. Instead, manage the situation by redirecting or protecting yourself.
Does Every Cat Knead?
Not all cats knead with the same intensity or frequency. Some cats knead constantly, while others may knead only occasionally or not at all. This variation is completely normal. A cat that doesn’t knead isn’t less affectionate; they simply express their feelings differently.
Factors that influence kneading behavior include:
- Early weaning or separation from the mother cat
- Individual personality and temperament
- How the cat feels in their environment
- Breed tendencies (though this varies greatly)
Cats differ significantly in their comfort behaviors, and even among felines, there’s remarkable diversity in how they show contentment.
Embracing the Biscuit-Making Experience
Understanding why cats “make biscuits” deepens your bond with your feline companion. This kneading behavior connects your adult cat to their earliest memories of safety, warmth, and maternal care. When your cat kneads you, they’re essentially saying,
“You make me feel the way my mother did: safe, loved, and at home.”
Since kneading is such a positive behavior, embrace these moments. Many cats use all four paws when they’re particularly happy, and cats also alternate paws in that distinctive rhythmic pattern that makes the behavior so mesmerizing to watch. Some cats push especially hard when they’re deeply relaxed, while others use a gentler touch.
Your cat may always knead in the same spot, knead before sleeping, or surprise you with spontaneous biscuit-making sessions. Regardless of when and where it happens, remember that this is their way of showing that they feel secure and content in their home with you.
When to Contact Your Veterinary Hospital
While this article has covered the normal reasons behind cat kneading, it’s important to consult with professionals at your local animal hospital or veterinary hospital if you notice:
- Your cat suddenly starts kneading excessively or compulsively
- Kneading is accompanied by signs of distress or pain
- Significant changes in your pet’s overall behavior
- Any concerns about your cat’s physical or emotional well-being
Your veterinarian can provide personalized guidance based on your cat’s individual needs and help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy.
The next time you notice your cat pressing their paws against you in that familiar kneading motion, take a moment to appreciate this ancient feline ritual. Your cat is giving you a massage, marking you as theirs, preparing to relax, and ultimately telling you that you’ve created a home where they feel safe and happy. That’s the real magic behind why cats make biscuits, and it’s a beautiful way for cats to deepen your bond with one of nature’s most fascinating companions.
Supporting Cats in Our Community
At SC Cats, we’re dedicated to helping cats find the love and security that encourages all those wonderful behaviors like biscuit-making. Through our foster program, adoption services, and community resources, we work to ensure every cat in Southwestern Michigan has the opportunity to experience the comfort and safety that leads to happy purring and contented kneading.
If you’re looking to add a feline friend to your family, or if you want to support cats in need through volunteering or donations, visit our cat adoption page to learn how you can make a difference in a cat’s life.
Every cat deserves a home where they feel secure enough to make biscuits.
Second Chance Cats of WM 