Have you ever been snuggling up with your cat and they decide to start pushing their paws up and down on your lap? Or have you seen them behaving this way in their bed or on their favourite cushion. This common cat behaviour is called kneading. It can be adorable to watch but also painful if they start digging into your skin. So why do cats knead and what can you do if your cat’s kneading is hurting you.

What is kneading?

Kneading is common cat behaviour frequently seen in domestic cats which refers to the rhythmic motion of pushing their front paws up and down against a surface, alternating between their left and right paw. Cat kneading is often referred to as “making biscuits” or “kneading dough” as it can look like this same process used in cooking.

Cats love to knead on soft, cosy surfaces such as blankets and cushions or your lap when you are making a fuss of them. Some will also purr, drift off to sleep and can also appear in a relaxed, trance-like state of contentment.

Why do cats knead?

There are many reasons that cat’s knead including a leftover behaviour from kitten-hood, to show affection and comfort or to create a soft sleeping spot. Cats have also been known to knead to mark their territory.

Leftover behaviour from kitten-hood

Cats can knead as a leftover behaviour from kitten-hood when they would knead instinctively during nursing to help stimulate their mother’s milk production. Whilst kneading a soft surface doesn’t produce milk, it can offer the same rewarding feeling of comfort they experienced with their mother.

To show affection and comfort

Cats often knead to show affection and comfort. A content cat will often knead when they are snuggling into your lap, being patted or settling into a cosy spot. These are times when your cat is happy and relaxed and with the action’s maternal connection, they can be communicating affection and comfort towards their owner or resting spot.

To create a soft sleeping spot

Kneading can help cats create a soft sleeping spot. Wild feline ancestors would knead tall grass or foliage to make a cosy safe place to rest or give birth, hidden away from predators. This behaviour may still be instinctual to domestic cats.

To mark their territory

Cats may knead to mark their territory and leave other cats a message. Cats have scent glands in their paws that release pheromones. By pushing their paws up and down they activate these glands, allowing them to deposit their scent. This can let other animals know that this space is theirs, warning them to back off.

How to stop your cat kneading

Whilst kneading can be adorable, it can also be painful if their claws make contact with your skin. They may also cause damage to blankets, carpet, cushions or furniture with their affectionate efforts. Whilst you cannot stop this instinctive behaviour, there are many ways to help your cat to knead in a more appropriately way.

Keep their nails trim – trim your cats nails regularly to prevent their sharp claws from hurting you or hooking into furniture, carpet or other soft objects.

Find a knead friendly blanket – consider placing a thick, kneading blanket on your lap when snuggling up together to protect your legs.

Redirect them – cats are easily trainable. When they start kneading something inappropriate such as furniture, cushions or carpet, gently move them to a soft, thick blanket or bed that you are happy for them to knead instead. Over time, they will learn where you want them to knead.

Distract them – when they start kneading you can distract them with a toy, encouraging them to play instead.

Never punish them – kneading is a natural, instinctive behaviour, so never punish your cat for this action. Rather focus on redirecting their behaviour to something more appropriate or distracting them in a positive way to maintain their trust.

Kneading is a natural, instinctive, common behaviour for cats. Your cat may be showing you affection, claiming their favourite spot, or reminding themselves of the rewarding comfort they experienced during kitten-hood with their mother.

So, if your cat starts kneading in your lap, simply grab a thick blanket and enjoy the moment and special bond you share together.