Here is a very sparse video showing us what this female cat did when she arrived at her new home after five years in a shelter. She made biscuits in cute cat talk; aka kneading, and it happened to be the carpet.
This is the instinctive action of a cat at her mother’s breast. So, she feels comforted at being in a new home where she is loved and immediately relates to her caregiver as her surrogate mother. The fact that she kneads the carpet is immaterial. It is an instinctive action.
A sign of affection and connection with her human caregiver. Cats kneading something, usually their caregiver on their legs, body or arms is probably the most often seen feline behavior in internet videos.
It shows her 2 years ago and the adopter says this about her cat: “This cat was so fascinated by everything. The biscuits in the carpet just melt my heart. She was so content and it was beautiful to watch. She’s still so happy here and we love her so much!”
Great news and I expect her to be continuing making biscuits.
Some more on feline biscuit making!
For the sake of completeness and in case you don’t know (highly unlikely by now thanks to the internet) below is an explanation as to why cats ‘make biscuits’.
When cats “make biscuits,” also known as kneading, they engage in a behavior commonly associated with kittens. This behavior involves pushing their paws in a rhythmic motion against a soft surface, such as a blanket, pillow, or even a human’s lap. Cats typically alternate their paws while kneading, similar to a person kneading dough.
There are several reasons why cats exhibit this behavior:
- Instinctual behavior: Kneading is believed to be an instinctual behavior that originates from a cat’s early kittenhood. Kittens knead their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow while nursing. The action of pushing against the mother’s teats triggers the release of milk. As cats grow older, they may retain this instinctual behavior and continue kneading as adults.
- Comfort and relaxation: Kneading is often associated with feelings of comfort, relaxation, and contentment in cats. The rhythmic motion and pressure against a soft surface may remind them of the warm and soothing experience of nursing.
- Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, specifically in the soft pads on the underside. By kneading, they leave behind their scent as a way of marking their territory. This behavior may be particularly noticeable when a cat kneads on a person or an object, they consider to be their own.
- Affection and bonding: Cats may also knead as a way of expressing affection and bonding with their owners. When a cat kneads on a person’s lap or while cuddling, it can be seen as a sign of trust and contentment. The action of kneading can be soothing for both the cat and the owner.
Overall, kneading is a natural and instinctual behavior in cats that serves various purposes, including comfort, marking territory, and bonding. It is a behavior that is often associated with positive emotions and can be seen as a sign of a happy and relaxed cat.
