If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ll probably find it both cute and annoying (especially at 2 a.m.) when they “make biscuits”. But why do cats make biscuits?
If you don’t know what we mean by making biscuits, it’s also known as kneading… and if you’re still confused, we mean this 👇
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of this strange act, you’ve probably asked yourself “why do cats knead me“? Cats are amazing creatures. They are independent yet loving. They are mischief-makers yet so adorable you can’t help but forgive them. One of their most intriguing behaviors is kneading (or as some people call it, making biscuits!).
Have you ever noticed your cat pushing its paws against your leg or a piece of furniture, almost as if they were making dough? This behavior is called kneading, and, among other things it can be a way for cats to show their affection – so you should be happy that cats knead their owners… it means they love you!Â
But you’re not the only thing your cat kneads… they do it everywhere! Furniture, blankets, clothes piles, dogs – everywhere! So, why do cats knead blankets, and why do cats knead their owners? Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating feline behavior.
The following are ten reasons why cats knead.
1. It’s a sign of affection.
Cats love their humans, and they show it in many ways. Kneading is one of the ways they express their love and affection. When they knead you, they mark you with their scent and claim you as their own. It’s their way of saying, “You’re mine and I love you.”
2. It feels good.
Have you ever had a massage? If so, you know how good it feels to have someone knead your muscles. Well, cats enjoy a good massage too. When they knead, they work out any knots or tension in their muscles. It feels good and relaxes them.
3. It’s instinctual.
Kneading is an instinctive behavior part of a cat’s survival instincts. When they were kittens, they would knead their mother’s belly to stimulate her milk flow. The action of kneading also helped them bond with their mom and made them feel safe and secure.
4. It’s a way to show their appreciation.
If you’ve ever done something nice for your cat, like giving them a special treat or petting them in just the right spot, you know how much they appreciate it. One way they may show their appreciation is by kneading you. It’s their way of saying thank you.
5. It’s a comfort behavior.
Cats are creatures of habit, and they like things to be just so. If something in their environment changes, it can upset them and feel stressed. Kneading is a comfort behavior that helps them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
6. It’s a way to relieve stress.
We all know how stressful life can be. Cats get stressed out too. Kneading is one of the ways they relieve that stress and tension.
7. It’s a way to release energy.
Cats are full of energy, and they need to release it somehow. Kneading is one of the ways they do that. When they knead, they are burning off some of that excess energy. All that massaging can burn off some of that annoying 2 a.m. energy – so just let them keep doing it!
8. It helps them stay warm.
When cats make biscuits, they press their body heat into whatever they are kneading. This helps them stay warm and comfortable, especially on cold winter nights.
9. It’s a sign of contentment.
When cats are content and happy, they often express it by kneading. It’s their way of saying, “I’m happy and everything is just perfect.” Cats can also mark territory using scent glands in their paws as a way of making whatever they’ve decided is a bed feel extra safe and secure.Â
10. It’s just plain fun!
Let’s face it. Cats are simply fun creatures. They do things just because they enjoy it, and that includes kneading. For them, it’s just plain fun!
So there you have it, ten potential answers to the question why do cats make biscuits. This intriguing behavior allows cats to express their affection, relieve stress, release energy, and have plain old fun. Next time your cat starts kneading you, take it as a compliment and enjoy the moment.
