Cat Behavior: Why does my cat like to knead things?

When it comes to being cat owners, there are always new things to learn. After all, it feels like cats are doing new things all the time.

And even if your cat is doing something they always do, that doesn't mean that we don't want to understand their behavior better. One cat behavior we always enjoy is watching them make "biscuits" with their paws. This kneading behavior is something we love to see, but we wanted to know more about.

After all, you can never go wrong with learning more about why your cat is doing something. So why do our cats knead things? What does it mean if they are actively kneading something?

Why does my cat knead things, including the air?

Mieshelle Nagelschneider, who is the host of My Cat From Hell on Discovery Plus had some answers and insights into why our cats do what they do. A cat behaviorist and a certified "Cat Whisperer," Nagelschneider truly understands why cats do what they do. So it makes sense that she would share her insights with us.

So what exactly did she share with us?

"Kneading behavior in cats is an instinctive behavior related to comfort and self-soothing. Cats are in their most relaxed and blissful state when they are kneading in the air. So much so that they don't need a soft surface to knead as they normally would. If they are also purring while kneading, it means a few extra bliss points.

Letting your cat knead on you or next to you can promote bonding and affection.

Cats do not necessarily need a fluffy blanket to activate the kneading behavior, but this is one way to promote blissful "biscuit" making. If a cat is relaxing on its back, air kneading is also common. This normal behavior is reminiscent of their kittenhood when they were nursing on their mother - the most content, safe, and comforted feeling a kitten could have!

Many cats will knead the owner's legs purring loudly. It's not a sign of aggression as a first-time cat owner might think which might cause them to interrupt the cat's behavior. It's very important to let the cat continue with the kneading behavior if possible because it's a natural, healthy, and self-soothing behavior. You can place a blanket on your lap to help soften sharp claws or trim your cat's claws."

- Mieshelle Nagelschneider

Honestly, it is fascinating to get better insight into why our cats are doing what they do, especially when the behavior can be so adorable to see. It also makes perfect sense that this is a form of self-soothing for cats.

We love learning about why cats behave the way that they do or the strange behaviors that make them so unique. And since we love a good biscuit moment out of our cats, it is always nice to know what it means.