Have you ever noticed your cat kneading your lap or the couch while purring contentedly?
This behavior, known as “making biscuits”, is a common behavior among cats and one that many owners find endearing.
But why do cats make biscuits and what does it mean?
Read on to learn more about this interesting display of affection from our feline friends.
What is “making biscuits”?
Making biscuits is a behavior exhibited by cats where they use their paws to knead, or massage, an object such as a lap or a piece of furniture. As they do so, cats may purr contentedly and even close their eyes, seeming to enjoy the sensation.
This behavior is thought to stem from the instinct that kittens have when suckling milk from their mother; kneading helps them to stimulate milk production.
The behavior of making biscuits is a unique display of affection from cats and can be observed in both kittens and adult cats alike. While some cats enjoy kneading for short periods, others may do it for extended periods of time. In addition, some cats may even drool while they make biscuits, something that is thought to be a sign of extreme contentment.
Understanding the physical behavior
Kneading motion
Visual demonstration of the behavior
The physical behavior of making biscuits involves the cat’s paws pushing against an object, such as a lap or couch. This motion is often referred to as “kneading” and can be demonstrated by grasping two fists together and pushing them in a circular motion. This motion is thought to be relaxing for cats, as well as helps to stimulate milk production in kittens.
Description of the physical action
The physical action of making biscuits involves the cat’s front paws pushing back and forth in a circular motion against whatever surface they are kneading.
Cats may also extend their claws slightly, which gives them more traction and is thought to increase the sensation of pleasure for them while they knead. The kneading motion itself is rhythmic and often consists of alternating between the right and left paws.
Purring
Importance of purring during kneading
The purring that cats often make while kneading is an important part of the behavior. Purring is thought to be a sign of contentment and relaxation, and it may help cats gain comfort from making biscuits.
The sound of the purr can also act as a soothing agent for cats, which helps them to relax even more during the kneading motion. Furthermore, the rhythmic sound of the purr may help to coordinate the kneading motion, making it more efficient.
The connection between purring and contentment
The connection between purring and contentment in cats is undeniable. Cats will often begin to purr when they are feeling relaxed or secure, and this can be seen as a sign of comfort. In addition, the sound of the purr itself may have a soothing effect on cats, helping them to relax even further while making biscuits.
Exploring the instinctual reasons
Nursing behavior
Recap of kneading behavior in kittens
Kneading is a behavior that is seen in kittens as they nurse from their mother. By pushing against her with their front paws, kittens stimulate the flow of milk and make it easier to feed. This instinctual behavior can be observed in adult cats as well, which suggests that it is an ingrained response and not just something learned.
Instinctual association with nursing
The instinctual association between kneading and nursing is strong in cats. The rhythmic motion of pushing against an object with the front paws is a behavior that kittens display when they are nursing from their mother.
This suggests that cats may associate kneading with the feeling of comfort and security they experience while nursing, which in turn explains why cats may make biscuits when they are feeling content.
Marking territory
Scent glands on paws
In addition to the instinctual reasons for cats making biscuits, it is also thought that they may be using this behavior as a way of marking their territory.
Cats have scent glands located between their toes on their front paws, and when they knead against an object the scent from these glands is released. This could explain why cats make biscuits in certain areas of the house that they consider to be their own.
Marking familiar and safe spaces
It is also thought that cats use the kneading behavior to mark familiar and safe spaces as their own. Because cats have scent glands located between their toes on their front paws, when they knead against an object the scent from these glands is released.
This could explain why cats make biscuits in certain areas of the house that they consider to be their own, as it is a way for them to mark the area as familiar and safe.
Relaxation and comfort
Calmness induced by kneading
The act of making biscuits is also thought to be a calming behavior for cats. The rhythmic motion of kneading can have a soothing effect on cats, as it helps them to relax and feel secure. Furthermore, the sound of the purr that cats often make while kneading can help to further promote feelings of relaxation and comfort.
Natural stress relief mechanism
Making biscuits can also act as a natural stress relief mechanism for cats. The rhythmic motion of kneading and the sound of the purr are both soothing, which helps cats to relax and feel more comfortable. Furthermore, it has been suggested that kneading may be linked to nursing in kittens, so this behavior can have an instinctual calming effect as it recalls warm and secure feelings from kittens’ early days.
Emotional bonding and social behavior
Association with positive experiences
Connection with nursing and bonding
In addition to being an instinctual behavior, making biscuits can also be seen as a form of emotional bonding for cats. Cats may associate the kneading motion with the comfort and security they felt when nursing from their mother, which helps them to build strong bonds with their owners. Furthermore, this behavior can also serve as a way for cats to show affection and express their love for their owners.
Positive reinforcement from the mother
The kneading behavior in cats is thought to be reinforced by positive feedback from the mother. Kittens will often knead their mother’s chest, and she in turn may offer her own purrs of contentment or other comforting vocalizations. This reinforces the kittens’ behavior, making them more likely to repeat it in the future.
Furthermore, this connection between kneading and positive motherly reinforcement could explain why cats continue to make biscuits as adults, as they are associated with feelings of comfort and security.
Humans as surrogate mothers
Transfer of behavior towards humans
As cats mature, they often transfer the kneading behavior to their owners or other humans. This can be seen as a form of emotional bonding, as cats are associating the kneading motion with feelings of comfort and security that would normally be associated with their mother.
Kittens will often seek out their owners to make biscuits in order to receive positive reinforcement from them, such as pet ting or vocal encouragement.
Role of trust and affection
Making biscuits can also be seen as a sign of trust and affection from cats to humans. Cats may seek out their owners or other people to make biscuits as a way of displaying their trust in them. This behavior can also be seen as a way for cats to show their affection towards humans, as it is often accompanied by purring and rubbing against the person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats make biscuits as a way of expressing various needs and desires. The behavior may be instinctual, as it is similar to the kneading motion that kittens use while nursing from their mother. Furthermore, making biscuits can also be seen as a way for cats to mark familiar and safe spaces as their own, as well as a natural stress relief mechanism. Cats may also transfer the kneading behavior towards humans as a way of expressing trust and affection.
The act of making biscuits is an endearing and unique behavior that cats engage in, and it can be a joy to watch. Despite its often inconvenient location on furniture or clothing, the kneading motion has an undeniable charm. To observe this behavior is to witness firsthand the instinctual connection between cats and their mother, as well as the trust they place in their owners. This intimate display of affection should be appreciated and celebrated rather than discouraged.
