Cats are known for their unique behavior of kneading and making biscuits, which involves pushing their front paws into a surface while looking content. This behavior actually stems from kittenhood, where kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow. As kittens grow, they transition from milk to solid food, but kneading continues as a bonding behavior with their mother.
For adult cats, kneading and making biscuits is a way to hark back to their kitten days and feel good. Some cats may even dribble while engaging in this behavior. Excessive kneading in adult cats could be a sign that they were weaned off milk too early as kittens, leading to behavioral problems like over-bonding with their owners and even biting.
Despite the potential challenges of excessive kneading, the underlying message is positive. Cats typically knead on surfaces or people they feel safest with, indicating a sense of trust and relaxation. This behavior is a common and natural expression of feline comfort and bonding.
Research also suggests that kneading behavior is not limited to domestic cats but can also be observed in big cats like lions. So, the next time your cat is happily making biscuits, you can rest assured that they are feeling happy, relaxed, and bonded to you.
