Why Does My Cat Knead My Stomach?
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Sometimes referred to as making biscuits, kneading is a peculiar behavior in cats. The feline extends out their paws and draws their digits back and forth as if they were a baker kneading bread. They do it on many different surfaces, but usually those that are soft and give some resistance. These can be their bed, blankets or even the belly of their guardian, although some stomachs may be softer than others. This curious behavior is not something which should alarm us and many of us find it quite endearing, as long as they don't use their claws too much. Although many of us enjoy the bonding experience it can provide, we don't necessarily know why cats knead our belly.
Kneading in cats is a behavior which is a holdover from their time as a kitten and they were still with their mother. It mimics the stimulation they would use to stimulate milk production from their mammary glands. Since we are not their mother, this leads many of us to ask why does my cat knead my stomach? AnimalWised discovers the reasons behind this behavior.
To get comfortable
Cats are known for their great ability to sleep. While cats generally sleep up to sixteen hours a day, some can sleep even more such as kittens, elderly cats or those with certain health conditions. Since they take their sleep seriously, they are always on the lookout for somewhere comfortable to rest. This is why they take their naps on beds, couches, blankets or even the stomach of their guardian.
Our belly is especially comfortable because it provides warmth for the cat. Although we may not have as much time to rest as our kitty, we often enjoy letting them stay as long as they are comfortable. Similar to how we might plump a pillow or cushion, our cat kneads our stomach as a way to make their resting spot more comfortable. We may also see them move around a little to get as comfortable as possible.
Although it is often an endearing experience for us, our stomach can be one of the most sensitive areas a cat can knead. This is especially the case if the cat has sharp nails. By extending out their paws, their claws can dig into our belly and cause discomfort. For this reason, you may want to place a thick blanket over your stomach when a at comes to rest. You should also ensure your cat's claws are well-maintained and trimmed when necessary.
Because they feel relaxed
In addition to making themselves more comfortable, cats knead our stomach because it is an expression of their relaxation. Similar to us stretching out or yawning when we are getting comfortable, cats will knead as a way to get into the mood for sleep. We will often hear the cat purring when they knead our stomach in this way, a clear indication they feel safe and secure with us.
Some cats may stop this kneading behavior during certain periods. In these cases, we need to assess their well-being. If they have not only stopped kneading our stomach, but they are having difficulty sleeping altogether, it is a sign the cat is stressed. This may be accompanied by other behaviors such as skittishness, loss of appetite or even aggression.
When we observe the above signs of stress in our cat, we need to take action. Look at any changes in their routine such as a home move, the introduction of new family members or anything which could upset their balance. Provide reassurance and find ways to help the cat relax.
To encourage an emotional bond
As much as cats knead certain surfaces to feel more comfortable, this does not mean a cat will knead just anyone's stomach. Each cat has their own personality and preferences. Some are more shy, while others are more confident. The former may find it more difficult to establish a bond with their guardian. Once they do, kneading their stomach can be a helpful way to encourage this bond.
We can see this if your cat kneads your stomach for a rest, but does not do it to other people in the home. This means they feel the safest with you and trust you implicitly. There are other ways we can encourage this bond ourselves such as engaging in play sessions and providing affection. This always needs to be done in a way that respects the cat's boundaries, so it is important we learn feline body language to know when to stop.
To leave their scent
Felines have a series of glands located on the digits and pads of their paws. When they extend their claws and scratch surfaces, they are secreting pheromones which can be recognized by other cats. They do the same when they kneading. It is a form of marking behavior which helps them to feel secure in their environment.
While nursing, kittens leave their scent on their mother by kneading their abdomen. You can see them do this when they are suckling. Doing so means mother and kittens can recognize each other, as well as create an emotional bond. As adults, domestic cats maintain some kittenish behaviors and often treat us as a mother-like figure, although they know we are not their mother. Kneading our stomach helps mark us as their family and provides reassurance.
To condition their claws
In general, cats do not usually require nail trimming. They keep their claws in good condition thanks to scratching on hard surfaces such as a scratching post. They can also do it on our furnishings, something we can be bothersome. You will see them do it multiple times a day. It keeps their nails in condition by wearing them down sufficiently for practical use.
When a cat is sharpening their nails, they usually raise their front paws and scratch against a vertical surface, although they can do this will standing on all four legs. If your cat is kneading their claws on your stomach, it is possible they are doing so to keep them in condition. Their actions are usually more abrupt than when doing it before a rest. They may be more firm and can cause some pain to our skin. Kneading is gentler and we will usually see them with their eyes half closed. If it is very painful and they are alert, they may be sharpening nails.
Learn about how to stop a cat from clawing you if you scratching at your belly is becoming a problem.
To relieve stress
Most of the reasons why cats knead your stomach are positive or benign, at least. They are expressions of natural feline behavior which may cause discomfort unintentionally, but which are generally a demonstration of a close bond between guardians and their felines. On rare occasions, it may that a cat kneading your belly is an indication of a problem. This is especially so if they do it obsessively with excessive frequency, duration or intensity.
Felines are very sensitive animals that can become stressed relatively easily. In many cases, the cat will carry our repetitive actions as a way to mitigate their stress. In this context, kneading our stomach may be similar to how some of us bite our nails or tap our fingers when anxious. If the stress is not addressed, a cat kneading our belly can become a stereotypy. This means it has no defined purpose, but the cat carries it out obsessively to try to rid themselves of feelings of frustration.
If your cat shows distress when kneading your stomach, it is a sign they are in a state of anxiety. If this is prolonged, it can have seriously detrimental effects on their physical health and emotional well-being. If you struggle to identify and address the cause of their anxiety, you may need to speak to a feline ethologist.
Discover more about another behavior which can manifest as a stereotype with our article on why my cat keeps biting itself.
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