A cat's failure to knead, often referred to as 'making biscuits,' is frequently linked to early separation from its mother and a lack of nursing. This behavior is a deeply rooted habit; cats knead when they are recalling their mother or feeling relaxed, expressing contentment and happiness. However, the absence of this behavior does not negatively impact their lives. It is important to understand that kneading is a natural behavior, but not all cats will exhibit it.
Kneading is an instinctive behavior. When kittens are nursing, they instinctively push their paws against their mother's belly. This action stimulates milk flow and brings them comfort and relaxation. As cats mature, this behavior typically diminishes, but it may still occur occasionally. If a cat doesn't knead, there is no need for concern, as it is still perfectly normal behavior. The key takeaway is that not every cat will knead and this doesn't indicate an issue with its wellbeing.
Reasons Behind Cat Kneading
There are several reasons why a cat might knead:
1. Remembering Their Mother
When a cat feels completely safe and comfortable, it may evoke memories from its kittenhood, leading to kneading. This is why many cat owners enjoy having their cats knead on them; the softness of a human's body is appealing to the cat. When they are kneading on you, it is a sign they feel secure and love you.
2. During Heat Cycle
Cats in heat may also knead, but this behavior is not associated with feeling secure. Instead, it signifies a desire for mating, it is not a reflection of feeling comfortable or relaxed but a way to signal their availability to a mate.
3. Territory Marking
Kneading is a way for cats to mark their territory. Cat's paws have scent glands that leave behind pheromones when they knead, serving as a way to communicate that the territory is theirs and warn off other animals. In essence, they are leaving a scented signature letting others know "this is mine".