Why Do Cats Knead And Bite Blankets (feature image)

Cats are strange. When you get right down to it, they have some very unusual habits. Some are cute, some of these habits are not. Then other cat habits don't make any sense. Cat kneading is one of them. Chalk it up to them being so independent and dependent, depending on the time of day and whatever it is that is going through your cat’s mind at that moment.

While it probably doesn’t do much in explaining why your cat loves you one moment and may hate you the next, if anything, it may help us to get closer to answering the question, “Why do cats knead and bite blankets?" In this article, we will try to sort through the odd behavioural traits of the average cat to try to produce a reasonable explanation for that activity. It isn't all that clear why cats do it.

Cat Kneading - What Is It All About?

cat kneading

You’ve experienced it. You know, that moment when your cat crawls up on you and starts performing a repetitive, rhythmic motion on your chest, or on a pillow where they will push their paws in and out of that soft surface.

Cats happen to rather enjoy doing this activity and will engage in it wherever they can find a soft surface. For those of you who have had it done to you in your lap or belly or on your chest, you probably have also felt the prick of the odd claw while your cat kneads.

It’s not a bad habit, and it is not your cat trying to scratch you. Cats knead in many different ways. Some will retract their claws, while others will not. Some cats will use just their front paws and others will use all four. Regardless of how your cat performs this act, you may notice that it helps your cat to relax.

He or she may purr softly, end up slack-jawed, and possibly even drool slightly. These are all quite normal reactions to the kneading process.

Why Do Cats Knead And Bite Blankets?

Why Do Cats Knead And Bite Blankets

The simple answer is that kneading is an instinctive behaviour. It usually starts shortly after birth and continues well into adulthood, however, there is no known reason. There are several theories, though. Let’s take a closer look at those, shall we?

Theories - Why Do Cats Bite And Knead Blankets?

Theories - Why Do Cats Bite And Knead Blankets

Here are a few of the theories that experts have formulated to answer why cats will knead soft surfaces:

  • When nursing, kittens knead to stimulate milk flow from their mothers.
  • After a nap, a cat may knead to stretch muscles.
  • Following a stressful event, a cat may knead to help promote relaxation.
  • A cat may knead to show that he/she is ready to mate.
  • Kneading may be a form of marking territory.
  • A cat may knead to prepare a space for sleeping.
  • Kneading may be used to prepare a space for giving birth.

A couple of these theories make logical sense as kneading is believed to date back to when all cats were wild and the females performed this activity to prepare nests in tall grass and leaves. The nest was either used for giving birth or as a resting place after a full day of hunting. Domestic cats typically engage in kneading before they settle down to sleep. Plus, since cats have scent glands in their paws, it makes sense that the kneading action would assist in marking territory.

Why Does Your Cat Knead Your Lap Or Chest?

Why Does Your Cat Knead Your Lap Or Chest

Not all cats are keen on cuddling with their owners, but those that do typically knead. Again, there is no definitive answer for the question: Why do cats knead and bite blankets or their owners, but there are theories. The most common one relates to territorial marking. In a way, your cat kneads your lap or chest to let other cats know that you are theirs.

This is particularly true if you have formed a very strong bond with your cat. Another theory is that cats will knead their owners when they are wearing soft materials like a sweater, sweatshirt, or covered in a blanket. The possible reason for this is that your cat likes to bed down on a soft surface and is feeling like taking a nap.

Can You Stop A Cat From Kneading?

Can You Stop A Cat From Kneading

We have explained that kneading is an instinctual behaviour of cats. This means your cat is probably not going to easily forget the activity, even if you do not enjoy it. Many cat owners look at their cat kneading their lap or chest as a sign of affection and are flattered by it. However, if you would prefer your cat did not do this, there are a few things you can do to try to curb the behaviour. They include:

  • Picking up your cat when he/she starts kneading furniture and placing them in their bed or on a soft blanket.
  • Distracting your cat when kneading begins with a treat or a toy.
  • Regularly trim your cat's claws (every 10 to 14 days is sufficient) to keep them from catching on clothing or digging into your skin while your cat kneads.
  • You can direct your cat to other surfaces to knead by spraying pheromones on the surfaces you want your cat to use.
  • Have a thick blanket nearby that you can place in your lap so when your cat joins you, he/she can knead the blanket.

There is one important thing to keep in mind if you are trying to encourage your cat to adopt different behaviour from constant kneading. That is because kneading comes from your cat's instincts, you should not scold or punish them for doing something that comes naturally to them.

Cat Kneadig FAQs

1. Is It Normal For My Cat To Knead?

Yes. Kneading is a natural, instinctive behaviour that all cats possess. Although there is no clear reason to explain it, there are many plausible theories that may point to why cats do this. Kneading is performed by both wild and domestic cats.

2. Is It True That Cat Kneading Is A Sign of Affection?

Some animal experts seem to feel this way. Plus, many cat owners also believe that when a cat settles in and starts kneading the lap or chest, it suggests that they are happy and enjoy being with their human owner.

3. How Can I Stop My Cat From Kneading?

You will never be able to completely remove the behaviour as it is instinctual, however, you can redirect your cat's focus when he/she begins kneading. Common distractions that have worked include introducing treats and toys.

4. Why Does My Cat Knead Me?

You will have noticed that your cat has chosen to knead only certain parts of your body. Typically that is your lap, belly, and chest. While there is no scientific explanation, theories point to the possibility that your cat finds these spots soft, comfortable, and warm. Your cat kneads you simply because he/she feels safe around you.

5. Why Does My Cat Purr While Kneading?

Cat experts claim that both kneading and purring result from your cat experiencing feelings of safety, wellbeing, and comfort. Kneading and purring commonly occur at the same time and are normal behaviour for a cat.

6. How Much Kneading Is Considered Obsessive Kneading?

Obsessive kneading may be a sign of another problem with your cat. In most cases, any form of stress that your cat is experiencing, either directly or within the environment your cat lives, may trigger more frequent kneading sessions. By monitoring this activity, you will be able to identify an increase in kneading. Should it continue to increase in frequency, you may wish to consult with a veterinarian for advice.

7. Why Does My Cat Knead Before Settled Down To Sleep?

Kneading typically occurs when a cat feels relaxed. This level of calmness often leads to a nap.

8. Why Does My Cat Knead and Bite Blankets?

This is a behaviour that goes back to kittenhood. Kneading and suckling activities mimic what your cat would have been doing when nursing and because it was comforting then, your cat will use that activity to find comfort now. It is not a bad trait. If anything, it indicates that your cat feels comfortable and safe around you.

Conclusion

So, why do cats knead and bite blankets? There is no precise answer for this, just educated guesses. The activity is instinctual, so your cat is going to do it anyway. As to why it happens, there are several theories on the topic.

As long as you do not find it annoying or disruptive, you can look at cat kneading as a sign of affection, and an indication that your cat is happy and feels safe being with you. For the average cat owner, that is a big deal. So, the next time your cat hops into your lap and starts to knead, remember that this is one way your cat is telling you they find you comfortable and safe.