Why do cats start kneading people with their paws? - briefly
Cats often start kneading people with their paws as a sign of contentment and affection. This behavior, known as "making biscuits," is an instinctual action that cats perform when they are happy or comfortable with their environment.
Why do cats start kneading people with their paws? - in detail
Cats are known for their unique behavior of kneading or "making biscuits" on various surfaces, including their owners. This action is often associated with contentment and comfort, but there are several underlying reasons behind this feline habit.
Firstly, kneading is a natural instinct that cats inherit from their wild ancestors. In the wild, big cats such as lions and tigers knead on grass or leaves to create a comfortable nest for themselves and their cubs. This behavior helps to flatten the area, making it more suitable for resting and sleeping. By doing this, they also leave their scent, marking the territory as their own. Domestic cats retain this instinct, even though they no longer need to build nests in the wild.
Secondly, kneading is a way for cats to show affection and trust towards their human companions. When a cat kneads on you, it is essentially telling you that it feels safe and secure in your presence. This action releases pheromones from scent glands located between their toes and on the pads of their paws. These pheromones serve as a form of communication, signaling to other cats (and sometimes humans) that they consider the marked area or person as part of their territory.
Thirdly, kneading can be a soothing mechanism for cats. The rhythmic motion of pressing and releasing their paws has a calming effect on them, similar to how humans might find repetitive actions like knitting or rocking back and forth comforting. Cats often knead when they are relaxed or content, such as after being petted or while purring. This behavior can also be seen in kittens nursing from their mother, where the action of kneading helps to stimulate milk flow.
Lastly, cats may knead on their owners as a way to ask for attention or food. If you have ever noticed your cat kneading before mealtimes or while waiting for treats, it could be because they associate this behavior with receiving something they want. In such cases, the cat might be using kneading as a subtle form of communication to signal its needs to you.
In conclusion, cats start kneading people with their paws due to a combination of instinctual behaviors, expressions of affection and trust, soothing mechanisms, and requests for attention or food. Understanding these reasons can help cat owners better interpret their feline companions' actions and strengthen the bond between them.