Is your cat kneading you? This is what they’re trying to express through these weird movements

A kneading catrhythmically pushes their paws in and out against a soft object, which can be a blanket but can also be you. Also referred to as ‘making biscuits’, this unusual behaviour, especially accompanied by purring, has a special meaning to it. Why do pet felines do it?

Why is your cat kneading on you?

If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting them, this actually means they love you and your expression of feelings very much. It might not be very pleasant for you for the sharp claws involved in the encounter, but try to tolerate it and not be too cross with your fluffball. They don’t know it hurts.

One way to fix it is to put a protective layer between your lap and their razors.

Kneading to show you’re theirs, not a stray

Did you know that cats have scent glands and whiskers on their paws? This means that everything they knead, you included, will carry their scent on it. So basically these territorial creatures mark you for the world to know that you are their human, not a stray.

Why is your cat kneading blankets?

Kneading is very common in tiny kittens nursing from their mummy. The movement stimulates milk production, just like sucking in human babies. They seem to just carry on with it past their kittenhood and keep the weird habit simply because it feels good, Cats Protection writes. Their brain links this movements to safety and comfort, so why not?

Kneading can stretch your cat’s muscles

Cats are natural at yoga. Have you seen their insane poses? According to Pet MD, kneading movements seem to help felines’ paws keep themselves limber and flexible.

All cats knead in their own way

To start with, not all cats knead. Some do it and purr contentedly when they’re being petted, but others may also seem to do it for no clear reason. Pet felines even have their own techniques—some never use their claws when they knead, and some use all four paws.

Read more:

⋙ This is where your cat actually wants to be petted

⋙ This rescue puppy was adopted into a house with two cats, and something incredible happened (VIDEO)

⋙ The shocking reason why your cat rubs against you