We’ve all been there… curled up on our favourite chair, cuppa in hand, cat curled on lap. Bliss, right? Oh, except for those sharp claws digging rhythmically into your leg! Ouch! Why on earth do our feline friends do that to us? Kneading is rather painful to be on the receiving end of, but is actually a huge compliment in the feline world! Read on to find out more about this bizarre behaviour, and see if it helps you to tolerate those needling paws. 

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What is kneading?

Kneading is the rhythmic motion cats make when they alternate pushing each forelimb paw against something (usually soft). Some use their claws, some will purr when doing so, some will dribble at the same time. The kneading movement is sometimes called ‘making biscuits’ due to the similarities with certain baking actions! Some cats seem to enter an almost hypnotic state as they knead, becoming drowsy and contented. 

Let’s go back to the beginning…

Finding out why cats love to knead involves looking back at kitten behaviour. New-born kittens are dependent on milk from their mother for nutrition. They stimulate milk flow by kneading at her body with alternating front paws. This is an instinctive trait – kittens are not taught to do this, it is a natural behaviour present from birth. This action is observed in all kittens, it is a highly prevalent and natural behaviour. 

Cats also have scent glands on their paws which release pheromones – chemicals which convey messages to themselves and other cats. Kneading can release these pheromones, sending messages to the cat that they are in a safe place, and inducing the feelings of comfort and security that they associate with their mother. 

But why do adult cats knead?

Adult cats obviously do not require their mother’s milk anymore, so why do they knead? Some cats grow out of this kitten-like behaviour, but for many kneading is thought to be a soothing and relaxing movement for cats. Although they no longer need milk, cats associate the kneading motion with comfort and pleasure. This is also why some cats dribble whilst they knead – their salivary glands still expect the milk! ‘Making biscuits’ is very common amongst adult cats and does not seem to be associated with early separation from the mother or sudden weaning. 

Cats are most likely to knead when they are in the presence of a loved and trusted companion – that’s you! It is actually a compliment – cats knead when they are happy and contented, and feel safe and secure. Some will even fall asleep kneading. The kneading action is a rhythmic comforting motion, but also releases ‘happy and safe’ pheromones, helping your cat to relax. 

Is that really true?

It is the most likely theory! An alternative theory is that kneading was a wild cat’s way of making a bed – like a dog turning circles before they lie down, it could be a cat’s way to create an area in the ground to rest. This would explain why cats often seem sleepy as they knead. However, kneading seems strongly linked to comfort and pleasure, leading most to believe it stems from their instinctive kitten behaviour. They also tend to lie in one place to knead, rather than knead over a whole area, such as a bed. 

But it hurts! Can I stop it?!

Kneading is a perfectly normal and natural cat behaviour. But we get it, it hurts! It is difficult to change such an ingrained and instinctive behaviour, but there are some ways to help make it more bearable.

  • One tactic is to accept the kneading as the true compliment that it is, but lessen the impact by keeping your cat’s nails well-trimmed and using a thick blanket on your lap to reduce the pain of sharp claws into your legs. 
  • You could use pheromonal products such as Feliway to try and train your cat to knead at something other than your lap. Cats usually like something soft, so try spraying a soft cushion or thick blanket with Feliway and keep it near you. 
  • If you really can’t stand the claws, gently redirect your cat away with a toy or treats when they attempt to knead. Cats learn quickly, and soon pick up that a behaviour is unwelcome. Never punish your cat for kneading – this will cause confusion, frustration and upset. 

Have you changed your mind?

Now that you know that your cat kneading at you is in fact a kitty compliment of the highest order, are you more reconciled to those sharp claws on your legs? Or are you still wary of those needle-like claws digging in when you least expect them? 

If your cat loves to jump onto your lap, settle down and knead away (possibly with some delightful drool added to the mix), try to remember that it is just because they love you!

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