Cats biting the blanket while kneading milk and possibly not letting you touch? This combination of behaviors actually reveals something about the cat’s inner world, usually meaning it is extremely relaxed, feels safe, or is immersed in fond memories of its nursing period. 이해。

These behaviors in cats are adorable moments from the perspective of cat owners. But don’t think this is just simple "acting cute"; every little movement of a cat has its unique language and meaning. Understanding these can help us better comprehend and respond to these furry companions.

What is the cat’s "kneading milk" behavior?

"Kneading milk", also called "pattering" or "making dough", refers to cats rhythmically pressing soft surfaces alternately with their front paws, such as blankets, pillows, or even your comfortable thighs or belly. This action is usually accompanied by a contented purring sound.

This behavior can be traced back to cats’ infancy. When kittens nurse, they gently press around the mother cat’s nipples with their paws to stimulate milk production, helping them get enough food. So, kneading is an innate survival instinct.

Why do adult cats still knead milk?

Although adult cats no longer need kneading to get food, this behavior is often retained. There are many reasons behind this:

• Recalling lost childhood, seeking safety and comfort: Kneading is a form of self-soothing for cats. Soft blankets or clothes remind them of the warm, comfortable feeling of being in their mother’s arms as kittens. It’s like when we hugged a small blanket to sleep as children, a way to seek comfort and relaxation. If a cat kneads on you, it means it trusts you deeply, seeing you as a reliable "family head", feeling very safe and relaxed around you.
• Marking territory, asserting “ownership”: Cats’ paw pads have sweat glands, and kneading releases a unique scent only they can smell. Through this, they leave their "cat stamp" on soft items, telling other cats: “This is my territory, my stuff, hands off!”. If they knead on you, the subtext might be: “You are mine!”.
• Relieving stress and anxiety: Kneading is also a way for cats to cope with stress and anxiety. When they feel nervous or uneasy, such as in a new environment or facing strangers, kneading helps calm them down and gain some security.
• Preparing a comfortable resting environment: In the wild, felines knead the ground or grass before sleeping to flatten it and prepare a comfortable "nest". Domestic cats might also "rearrange" soft blankets or cushions before sleeping, with kneading as part of this, signaling they are preparing for a good sleep.
• Showing signs during heat: Some cats show kneading behavior during their heat cycle. For female cats, this may indicate readiness to mate. Male cats might also bite soft objects like blankets and have slight body tremors, which is thought to soothe the female’s emotions and stimulate ovulation.

Why do cats bite the blanket while kneading?

Cats biting the blanket while kneading is usually an upgraded version of "re-living childhood." It mimics nursing while kneading as kittens. The soft blanket’s texture may closely resemble the mother cat’s belly, making them feel like they are back in a carefree nursing period. This shows deep relaxation and self-soothing.

Why won’t the cat let you touch it while kneading?

Sometimes, when cats are immersed in kneading and biting the blanket, they may become "unrecognizable" and unwilling to be touched. There are two possible reasons for this:

• Fully focused and doesn’t want to be disturbed: When cats are extremely relaxed and enjoying kneading, they might be completely absorbed in the behavior and not want outside interference. Touching them at this time, even gentle petting by the owner, may be seen as an "interruption" or "intrusion," causing rejection or mild resistance.
• Expression of territorial awareness: As mentioned earlier, kneading also marks territory with scent. If they are kneading a blanket or a spot, they may be asserting "ownership". If you reach out then, they might feel their "territory" is challenged and show defensive postures like dodging or not letting you touch them.

What to do if the cat scratches painfully while kneading?

Although kneading is usually gentle, sometimes the cat’s claws might be a bit long and accidentally scratch you, causing pain. Here are some ways to handle this:

• Regular nail trimming: This is the most direct and effective method. Regularly trimming the cat’s nails can prevent scratches when kneading and avoid damage to you or your belongings.
• Provide suitable alternatives: Prepare soft, comfortable blankets, mats, or plush toys for the cat to knead on. This satisfies their kneading needs while protecting your skin and furniture.
• Gently divert attention: If the cat is kneading too hard on you, try using a gentle voice and petting to distract it. Avoid sudden pushes or loud scolding to prevent frightening them.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do all cats knead? No. Some cats, especially those separated from the mother too early or who missed a full nursing period, may not knead. More independent personalities also tend not to knead much.
• Does kneading mean the cat loves me? Kneading expresses comfort, safety, and trust. When a cat kneads on its owner, it largely indicates deep feelings and trust. However, it’s not the only meaning; it could also relate to missing their mom, marking territory, or stress relief.
• Can I stop my cat from kneading? Usually not recommended to forcibly stop kneading. For cats, it’s a normal, healthy, and comforting behavior. Interrupting suddenly may cause confusion or anxiety. The best way is to understand and accept it while taking measures (like trimming nails) to avoid inconvenience.
• Is it normal for cats to purr while kneading? Very normal! Purring typically shows relaxation and satisfaction. When they purr during kneading, it signals they are in a very happy state.

Summary

Cats biting the blanket while kneading usually indicates they feel extremely relaxed and safe, or are immersed in fond nursing memories. This behavior originates from their nursing instincts and evolves into seeking comfort, marking territory, relieving stress, and expressing trust. When cats bite the blanket or don’t let you touch them while kneading, it may be because they are fully invested and don’t want to be disturbed, or are emphasizing ownership of the item or you. Responsible cat owners should understand and respect these behaviors, provide a comfortable environment, and take necessary measures (such as nail trimming) to ensure harmony between pet and owner.

Understanding cat behavior is like decoding their "Morse code"—though it can be confusing at times, once you grasp it, you’ll find these little creatures love and depend on you more than you imagine. Enjoy the “sweet burden” brought by cat kneading; it’s their unique way of telling you: “It’s so good having you around!”