Cats have many quirks, but one of the most charming—and puzzling—is their tendency to knead soft surfaces with their paws. Often referred to as “making biscuits,” this behavior can seem a bit odd, yet it’s deeply ingrained in feline nature.

Whether it’s a favorite blanket, a soft pillow, or even a human’s lap, cats knead in a rhythmic motion, pushing one paw after another, often with a purring accompaniment. But why do cats knead, and what’s behind this seemingly simple, yet fascinating, behavior?

Instinct from Kittenhood

The roots of kneading trace back to kittenhood. When kittens are nursing, they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. This action, known as “milking kneading,” serves a vital function during their early days of life. It ensures they get the nourishment they need while also fostering a sense of security and comfort.

According to PetMD, this rhythmic action becomes so ingrained in kittens that they continue to knead into adulthood, even after they no longer require milk. This behavior carries over as a comforting ritual, one that many cats continue as adults when they seek the same sense of peace and contentment they felt as kittens.

Comfort and Relaxation

For adult cats, kneading often signals a moment of contentment or relaxation. Many cats will knead when they are feeling particularly comfortable, such as when they’re curled up on their owner’s lap or nestled in a cozy bed. Kneading releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone that helps calm and soothe a cat, explains Dr. Hannah Hart, DVM, at PetMD. This calming effect is why cats often knead when they are at ease, purring softly as they do so. The act of kneading becomes a self-soothing behavior, akin to a human pressing their thumb into their palm to relieve stress.

In some cases, cats may even knead while they are preparing their nest or bedding, much like their wild ancestors did. In the wild, felines knead the grass and foliage beneath them to create a more comfortable and secure spot for resting. Even in the home, this behavior persists as cats knead their bedding before lying down, as if preparing their space for a restful sleep, as Clifton Park Veterinary Hospital reports.

Scent Marking and Territory

Kneading also plays a role in scent marking. Cats have scent glands on the pads of their paws, and when they knead, they release pheromones that signal ownership. If a cat kneads a specific spot, it’s often marking that area as their own. This could explain why some cats knead their human companions—by doing so, they may be marking their “territory” and signaling to other cats that their human is off-limits. As Why Cat Why points out, kneading on a human’s lap could be a way for a cat to stake their claim on their favorite person, expressing both affection and ownership in a way only a cat can.

Love and Affection

Kneading can also be an expression of love and affection. Cats often knead on their owners when they feel secure and bonded with them. This behavior is a form of social bonding that can date back to kittenhood, when they kneaded their mother as a sign of affection and a request for nourishment. In fact, the more relaxed a cat is, the more likely they are to knead. As noted by CatGenie, some cats knead with such enthusiasm that it’s clear they are thoroughly enjoying the moment, offering a kind of cat massage to their beloved human.

Why Do Some Cats Not Knead?

It’s important to note that not all cats knead. Some felines skip this behavior entirely, while others may only knead in certain contexts. PetMD suggests that a lack of kneading could be linked to a lack of relaxation or comfort. If a cat is stressed or anxious, they may be less likely to engage in behaviors that promote relaxation, such as kneading. On the other hand, some cats simply don’t knead, and there’s no cause for concern. Just as with any animal behavior, variation exists, and what’s normal for one cat may not be the same for another.

What to Do If Your Cat Kneads Excessively

Kneading is generally a healthy and natural behavior, but excessive kneading may indicate an underlying issue. If your cat is kneading more than usual, it could be a sign of stress or discomfort, especially if it’s accompanied by other behavioral changes. As PetMD reports, this behavior can release dopamine, but excessive kneading might indicate that your cat is using it as a coping mechanism for anxiety. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues like arthritis or other discomforts that might be prompting the behavior.

Kneading, or “making biscuits,” is a natural and instinctual behavior for cats that serves multiple purposes. From comfort and relaxation to scent marking and territoriality, this behavior is deeply rooted in feline nature. Whether they’re expressing love, seeking security, or simply preparing their bed, cats knead because it feels good and provides them with a sense of contentment.

While some cats knead more than others, it’s a perfectly normal behavior that strengthens the bond between cats and their human companions. So, the next time your cat kneads your lap, remember—it’s their way of saying, “I love you.”