Why Cats Make Biscuits — Vets Reveal the Cute Reasons Behind Their Need to Knead

Many people wonder if cats were bakers in another life. It’s because they love to knead anything and everything, mimicking the motion of a baker kneading bread. This phenomenon is so common that it has its own term: making biscuits! Sure, it’s super cute, but sometimes it hurts or it can damage whatever item it is that they’re kneading. That’s why these vets are sharing why they do it and ways you can help them tone it down a bit.

The Reasons

This behavior is pretty common in feline pets, and it’s not an entirely random action. Vets share that it’s because it’s a ritual they learn while they’re kittens.

To stimulate milk flow, kittens often knead their mother’s belly, and it’s often used as a comforting behavior when they grow up. It’s often a sign of them being content and happy, as kneading is usually an enjoyable and relaxing activity. Kneading can also be a way to mark territory for cats, as the animals have scent glands in their paws.

When to Be Alert

While kneading itself is not a cause of concern, there are some things to keep an eye out for. For example, if this behavior starts getting excessive or agitated in nature, your cat might be showing its discomfort through kneading.

This biscuit-making habit, when accompanied by restless, aggressive meowing or a change in behavior, should be looked into as well. If you’ve seen it with a sudden change in your cat’s behavior, it’s always best to consult a vet.

Tricks and Tips

There are some things you can do to make life easier for your cat when it comes to kneading. For starters, keeping their nails clipped will help bring the pain down to a minimum. Alternatively, you can give your cat some soft surface, like a towel or blanket, for its kneading. This will help you also to save your furniture from being destroyed by their paws.

If you’re looking to save a piece of furniture that your cat loves to get its paws on, place an aluminum foil sheet on it to discourage your pet. Lastly, playing with your cat on a regular basis and keeping it occupied will help them redirect their energy to something other than potentially destroying your furniture in an attempt to knead it.