Why Do Cats Knead (Do They Like Fresh Bread)?

Why do cats knead? Did some cat once long ago belong to a baker and now all cats simply long for that smell of freshly kneaded dough leading to warm bread in the oven?

This theory clearly has its faults (other than the fact we just made it up). For example, cats often extend their claws, which simply wouldn’t make for good dough. Yes many of us cat parents know these kneading claws all too well. We have the marks to prove it too.

So, what is the real reason our furry felines knead? Apparently science isn’t 100% sure, but these are some potential theories:

Cats knead to mark their scent

One very convincing theory is that cats knead as a way to mark their scent on us or their surroundings. Their paws are filled with scent glands so they may simply be saying ‘excuse me all you other cats out there, this is my favourite spot, so no muscling in, OK?’

This theory makes a lot of sense because cats rely on scent for information more than we humans do. Their smell is 14 times more powerful than our own. And according to Wikipedia cats ‘sense certain aromas in a way that humans cannot… and they communicate through marking with scent glands’.

Happily, this means your cat is scent-marking you as their property. Nawwwww they love you lots!

Watch this highly satisfying video of cats kneading:

They do it to show they love us

Another big possibility (our favourite) is that it’s a behaviour they learn when still with their mum cat. Kittens knead their mum’s teats even before they’re old enough to see or hear. Human babies that breastfeed sometimes make similar rhythmic motions across mum’s chest with their hands.

This may all seem mysterious, but in fact it isn’t. It’s simple mechanics. This kneading movement helps release the milk so that babies – or kittens – can get all the nutrients they need.

Cats knead to recognise us as family

Interestingly, it’s only domestic cats that knead long past their time as babies. So another convincing argument for why cats knead lies in their bond with us humans. Domestic cats carry a lot of their infant traits through to adulthood, e.g. their cat’s purr.

Baby-like behaviours double as social behaviours. They make cats more endearing as pets; they’re essentially our baby (albeit highly independent ones).

Around the world, cat mums and dads agree. Basically cats are acting out these adorable behaviours because they feel safe, loved and connected. And they show it to us by kneading. But because the clawing part of the kneading doesn’t feel so great, read these routine pet care nail cutting tips.

Keen to decipher more catty behaviour? Find out Why Do Cats Lick You? Here’s the Top 4 Reasons

Cat insurance – does your kitty knead it?

Give your kneady cat a healthy happy life by safeguarding him or her with cat insurance. Treatment for health issues that spring up can end up costing thousands of dollars, like tests, hospitalisation, surgery, medications and more.

Having a pet care plan in place before medical conditions emerge (chronic or otherwise) can help keep your savings safe. Why? Because your furbaby’s pet insurance can only cover for issues that happen during your plan and not before. The sooner you get it the better.

And depending on the age of your pet, with PD Insurance you’ll get one or more months of free pet insurance! Click below to get started.