Kneading is a common behavior in cats where they push their paws down on a soft surface, alternating each one, like kneading dough before putting it into the oven. This behavior is also known as "making biscuits" because it resembles the motion of kneading dough. Cats first begin to knead when they are nursing from their mother, as it helps stimulate the mothers milk production. Kneading is associated with suckling, which helps stimulate a mother cat’s milk supply through the release of oxytocin and likely evolved for this reason. Kneading also has another evolutionary advantage. It can be used as a form of tactile and pheromone communication between kitten and mother.
Cats often associate kneading with comfort and feeling relaxed. They may knead on soft or woollen blankets while also sucking on the material, as if from a teat. This may be relaxing or soothing for the cat because of this association. Kneading can also be a means of communication with other cats when an unfixed male or female is in heat.
When a cat kneads its owner, it may be a sign of affection and contentment. Kneading can also be a way for cats to mark their territory by activating the scent glands in their soft paw pads. In most cases, kneading likely indicates that the cat is comfortable and happy. However, if the kneading (and especially sucking) occur very frequently, for a long time, appear compulsive or are beginning to hurt, it may be a sign of anxiety or stress.
To encourage appropriate kneading actions, cat owners can try keeping their cats claws trimmed short to prevent sharp hooks, encouraging their cat to knead elsewhere, and using a pheromone-based spray to persuade their cat to knead on a blanket instead of their lap. It is important to never punish a cat for kneading, as it is a natural and instinctive behavior.
