Why do cats make biscuits?

Read time: 1.5 mins

It’s quite possibly the cutest thing our cats do, but why do they feel the need to knead? A mini massage for their humans that may contain claws, some of our cats spend hours making biscuits but what’s behind the baking behaviour that’s making them do it? Let’s find out.

It’s actually still a bit of a mystery as to why cats find such comfort from kneading, but there’s 

a couple of theories that could help to explain.

1. Quite a common suggestion is that the kneading behaviour stems from early days as a kitten. In order to get milk from their mother, kittens will knead their mums to start the flow of milk during feeding time. As to why they do this as an adult cat, the theory is positive association. Making biscuits in their youth produced a positive outcome, so replicating the motion puts them in a happy place.
2. It’s also thought that kneading could be a way to mark their territory. Cats actually have scent glands in their paws, so kneading away at certain spots may be a way to release their scent and claim their favourite patch as their own.
3. A third idea is that our favourite felines are simply preparing the perfect bed for snoozing the day away. Similar to how dogs circle and scratch until they feel fully satisfied their sleeping spot is right and ready, cats in the wild would probably replicate the kneading behaviour with leaves and grass to make for a snuggly den. They’ve simply swapped this for blankets or your lap and are just making sure they can get as cosy as possible.
4. The most simple explanation of all is that kneading just makes them feel great. Baking their biscuits is a soothing repetitive motion that often puts them in a little purry trance, and maybe all there is to it is that your cat finds kneading super comforting and relaxing and puts them in their happy place. 

Whether the true answer is ever uncovered, it’s quite clear that when cats knead they really are content as can be. As long as they’re not ruining your favourite sofa or clawing a little too intensely at your lap, let them bake and make biscuits. Happy cat, happy home.