Why Does My Cat Knead Me But Not My Husband?
Cats are prone to many cute, yet odd behaviors. One of these behaviors is “kneading”. You do not have to be a cat parent for long before you will bear witness to your cat kneading or “making biscuits” as it is sometimes referred to.
Wondering what kneading is? It is the up-and-down movement that your cat does with her paws. It can be anything from very light tiptoeing to energetic stepping up and down. This motion is often accompanied by purring. It is said that this action is developed when your cat is a kitten and nurses. The kittens gently knead as they nurse. Kneading helps stimulate the milk and provides comfort to the newborn felines.
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Why Do Cat’s Knead?
Kneading is a common behavior among cats. I have had a lot of cats over the years and I cannot recall any of them that did not knead at one time or another. Kneading is a sign that your cat is happy. They often knead on a person or soft places. Cats will make a spot to take a nap by kneading in areas where they are going to curl up and snooze.
Cats will knead just to show they are happy and they often go through that motion on or near a person that they like. That person is usually their owner. Just know that if your cat is kneading he is content and comfortable with his surroundings.
Marking their territory is another reason that your cat will “knead” with their paws. Cats are scent-driven creatures. They use scent to mark their territory and identify what is theirs. Since your cat has scent glands in its paws, using them to knead helps them deposit their scent and “claim” their territory even if it is you.
Why Does My Cat Knead Me But Not My Husband?
Cats are very in tune with the scents and emotions that surround them. Your cat may find your scent more appealing to them than that of your husband. They most likely don’t dislike your husband, but given a choice they would rather knead you. I have had cats that were more partial to me and there have been others that would rather go to my husband before coming to me.
Tips to Stop Your Cat’s Kneading
I have never really been bothered by my cat’s kneading, but maybe you would like to take some steps to minimize your cat’s kneading. Having your cat knead on your favorite sweater (or on another pet) is not a welcomed behavior. First and foremost, keep your treasured items that can be damaged out of your cat’s reach, if possible. Follow these tips to stop your cat from kneading:
1). Trim your cat’s claws to eliminate sharp edges that can cause pain or get caught in the fabric.
2). Provide your cat with their “special” item to do their kneading. A pheromone product on their special kneading item can help persuade your cat to knead on their item and not you or your furniture. If your cat uses its claws to “make biscuits,” his “special item” should be thick so that he can use its claws.
3). If your cat is kneading in an improper place, redirect his attention to a more appropriate location. A toy or “special” item is a good way to redirect your fur baby’s kneading to somewhere else.
Boy, Pixie and Mary’s Story
Of all of my feline children, I don’t recall any of them that did not knead people, furniture, blankets, pillows…you name it and they enjoyed massaging it with their feet.
It is said that this behavior comes from being taken from their mother too early. I don’t think there is truth to this statement since Boy and Pixie were with their mother (Mary) for 13 years.
Since Boy and Mary tended to be lap cats, they liked to knead on whomever they were getting ready to sit with. The way these 3 cats massage their spaces is as individual as their personalities.
Pixie was a very gentle kneader. Additionally, she was not a lap kitty and kneaded the least of the 3 cats and normally just before she laid down for a nap.
Mary was an aggressive kneader. I could always feel her claws and they sometimes hurt. She would knead on my arm if I would allow it.
Boy’s “biscuit making” fell somewhere between Pixie and Mary. He kneaded a lot more than either of the others, but it was always on his blanket.
This behavior in my cats reminded me how happy and comfortable they were in their home. And that it was part of being a cat.
Final Thoughts
Cats have been kneading for centuries and that is not going to change. It is part of who they are. It is their way of showing they are happy, healthy, and comfortable in your home.