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Many cats, although the popular notion suggests they stop at an advanced age, still enjoy kneading blankets and cushions well into adulthood and even for the rest of their lives, which undoubtedly brings a smile to their human companions’ faces.
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Its peculiarity turns out to be engagingly quirky.
Experts assert that humans are naturally drawn to the adorable and solemn appearance of this feline behavior. Online videos of cats wearing baker’s hats and pressing their paws into pillows and blankets on social media have accumulated thousands of likes.
Why do cats knead?
A kitten’s behavior of compressing its mother’s nipples while nursing is thought to facilitate milk flow, a phenomenon known as “milk letdown”. This same action in adult cats involves a focused motion, where they press one paw after another into a surface, extending their toes and claws with each push, as observed by animal expert Sung, who is based in Walnut Creek, California.
Many pet owners notice that their felines rhythmically knead their paws when they say their cat is “making biscuits”.
I swear on their kneading skills,” Sung said, “if we gave them a ball of dough, they’d mix it up beautifully.
Cat owners can promote kneading behavior by supplying soft, fuzzy blankets and other plush surfaces, according to Branch.
“Anything that resembles a mom cat’s pregnant belly,” he said.
Kneading seems to soothe cats and may be a sign of a contented feline.
Grown cats often knead due to a soothing behavior, and it appears to also bring joy to their owners, according to Branch.
“Caring for pets often seems more appealing when they’re being affectionate or seeking companionship, the primary reasons people have pets in the first place,” Branch mentioned.
Adult cats may knead a pile of laundry on the couch as a self-soothing behavior when they’re feeling anxious. However, some cats will only knead when they feel relaxed and secure, which can indicate contentment.
It’s believed that for adult cats, kneading is a soothing experience that triggers fond memories of when they were kittens and the physical comfort they felt while doing so.
Kneading can also help spread a cat’s scent on their favorite surfaces, Dr. Sung explained, by transferring the scent from the scent glands on their paws to those areas.
Cats often show the same behavior as they did when they were kittens by gripping a blanket or pillow in their mouth and “kneading” the surface with their paws. This is another example of a feline behavior that goes back to their days of nursing from their mother.
They seem absolutely carefree and content,” said Branch. “The contrast between how relaxed they look and how industrious they’re being is quite charming.
Pet owners may sometimes find themselves getting kneaded by their feline companions.
Many cats also exhibit kneading behavior with their loved ones.
Sung’s Siamese cat named Jaz likes to knead on Sung’s throat while she’s sleeping, which is a sweet gesture. Similarly, Branch’s cat, John Junior, a self-proclaimed “toxic extrovert,” is in the habit of kneading on people’s cheeks.
“That’s how your cat knows you and trusts you enough to allow them to show their more intense emotions around you,” Branch said.
Don’t forget to regularly trim your cat’s nails to prevent painful scratches.
They’re completely fixated on making biscuits,” Sung said. “You hear people laughing about it because it’s such a cute thing and they’re so incredibly dedicated to it.
This story was originally published on USA TODAY:
