Kneading, often lovingly termed “making biscuits,” is a peculiar yet endearing behavior exhibited by our domestic cats. It’s an instinctive action where a cat rhythmically pushes their paws into a soft surface, like a blanket or your lap, mimicking the motion of kneading dough.
But what sparks this kneading behavior in cats? Is it a remnant of their kittenhood, or does it serve a different purpose in their adult lives? Let’s delve into the common theories behind Cat Pawing and understand what your feline friend is trying to communicate.
Unraveling the Mystery of Cat Pawing
For many cats, pawing or kneading is a behavior rooted in their early kitten days. Newborn kittens instinctively knead around their mother’s teats while nursing. This action stimulates milk flow, ensuring they get the nourishment they need. Coupled with the comforting presence of their mother and her calming pheromones, kneading becomes associated with feelings of security and contentment from a young age. This positive association often carries into adulthood, prompting cats to knead as a way to self-soothe and recreate that sense of calm and relaxation.
However, the origins of cat pawing extend beyond kittenhood comforts. Observing wild feline species reveals that they often knead soft grasses and foliage to prepare their resting spots in their natural habitats. This pre-sleep ritual might also be ingrained in domestic cats, leading them to knead their beds, blankets, and favorite napping locations.
Adding another layer to this behavior, cats possess scent glands located between their toes. When a cat paws or kneads an object or even a person, they are depositing their unique scent onto that surface. This serves as a territorial marker, signaling to other cats that this space or individual is claimed. Some experts also propose that cat pawing acts as a way for felines to stretch their muscles and release any built-up tension in their limbs, much like a human stretching after a long period of inactivity.
Just like the comfort and security they felt nursing from their mothers, cats continue to knead into adulthood to evoke similar feelings of calm and relaxation.
Why Blankets Become Biscuit Factories
Cats frequently choose blankets and other soft items as the canvas for their pawing artistry. This preference stems from several reasons:
- Seeking Comfort and Stress Relief: The act of pawing soft materials can trigger a sense of nostalgia, reminding cats of the comforting nursing days. Some cats even enhance this experience by suckling on the blanket while kneading, further mimicking the nursing behavior and deepening the feeling of security.
- Preparing for Slumber: Mirroring their wild counterparts, domestic cats might knead blankets to create a more comfortable and flattened sleeping surface. This instinctual behavior ensures a cozy and safe spot for rest.
- Claiming Territory: By kneading blankets, cats effectively mark these soft havens as their own. The scent glands in their paws deposit pheromones, leaving an invisible but distinct marker that communicates ownership to other felines.
When You Become the Kneading Target
If your cat chooses you as their kneading surface, consider it a sign of affection and comfort. The reasons behind kneading on you are similar to those for blankets: seeking relaxation, preparing a comfy spot (perhaps on your lap!), or simply claiming you as theirs. You might notice your cat pawing on your stomach or lap right before curling up for a nap.
Furthermore, when a cat kneads you, it can be a significant compliment. This behavior is deeply rooted in the kitten-mother bond. By kneading on you, your cat is essentially expressing a feeling of security, comfort, and love, much like they did with their mother. They are also likely marking you with their scent, solidifying their bond with you and claiming you as part of their inner circle.
When your cat kneads on you, it’s often a heartwarming display of affection, reminiscent of the bond they shared with their mother as kittens.
Is Excessive Pawing a Cause for Concern?
While pawing is generally a normal and healthy cat behavior, an increase in or excessively frequent kneading can sometimes indicate underlying issues. The act of kneading triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and pain relief, in a cat’s brain. Therefore, heightened pawing can be a sign that your cat is experiencing discomfort or anxiety, and they are using kneading as a way to self-soothe and release these feel-good chemicals.
This dopamine release can also create a positive feedback loop, potentially leading to compulsive kneading. If your cat finds comfort in the dopamine rush, they may knead more and more to achieve that feeling, sometimes to an excessive degree. Additionally, cats experiencing pain from injuries or conditions like arthritis might also knead to stretch their muscles and alleviate tension in their sore limbs.
If you observe a noticeable increase in your cat’s pawing frequency or intensity, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian. They can help identify any underlying medical or behavioral issues that might be contributing to the change in behavior.
Guiding Pawing Behavior: What to Do and What Not to Do
While pawing is an instinctive and natural behavior that should be allowed and even appreciated, the sharp claws that often accompany it might be less welcome, especially if your cat is pawing on your skin or delicate furniture. Fortunately, you can guide your cat’s pawing instincts towards more appropriate outlets.
Consult Your Veterinarian: A Key First Step
If you suspect your cat’s pawing is linked to stress or anxiety, or if it has become excessive and concerning, your veterinarian is your best resource. They can assess your cat’s overall health and behavior and recommend appropriate solutions. This might include exploring medications, calming supplements, or pheromone diffusers like Feliway® to help manage anxiety. Similarly, if an underlying medical condition is suspected, your vet can diagnose and manage the condition, which may indirectly reduce excessive pawing.
Avoid Punishment: It’s Counterproductive
Never punish your cat for pawing. Yelling, hitting, or using deterrents like spray bottles will only instill fear and anxiety, potentially worsening the problem. Punishment doesn’t address the underlying reasons for the behavior and can damage your relationship with your cat. Instead of stopping completely, your cat might simply learn to paw when you’re not around, making it harder to understand and address the root cause.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging Good Habits
Identify acceptable pawing targets, such as a specific blanket on the couch or a designated scratching post with a soft fabric element. When you see your cat pawing these appropriate items, reward them with praise, treats, or affection. Consistent positive reinforcement will help your cat associate pawing these items with positive experiences, making them more likely to choose them in the future.
Declawing is Never the Answer
Declawing your cat to solve pawing-related issues is inhumane and strongly discouraged. Declawing is a painful surgical procedure that involves amputating the last bone of each toe, akin to removing the tips of your fingers at the first knuckle. It can lead to chronic pain, lameness, behavioral issues like biting, and permanent nerve damage. Declawing is not a solution to pawing and has severe negative consequences for your cat’s well-being.
Claw Management: A Simple Solution
Regularly trimming your cat’s claws is a simple and effective way to mitigate any potential discomfort or damage caused by pawing. Keeping their nails short will prevent them from scratching your skin or snagging furniture. If your cat’s pawing is uncomfortable for you, you can also place a blanket between their paws and your lap or stomach as a comfortable barrier. This allows your cat to express their natural pawing behavior while ensuring your comfort and preserving your bond.
Featured Image: SilviaJansesn/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
References
Brister, JM. “Body Language of Cats,” Veterinary Partner. November 2018.
Written by
Hannah Hart, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health…
