Why Do Cats Make Muffins – Kneading Behavior Explained

When your cat is curled up on a blanket, you might notice that they start purring and kneading the blanket. You ask someone about it, and they say that your cat is making muffins. Another friend says your cat is making biscuits. One other person says your cat is milking the blanket. So, what’s the story behind all these baking-related terms for your cat kneading your favorite blanket? Why do cats make muffins? 

Cats make muffins, also known as kneading or making muffins, because they are happy, comfortable, and safe in your home and environment. Cats can make muffins on blankets like comforters or soft blankets or your lap.

Cats aren’t too picky when it comes to choosing where they want to make muffins. Sure, a soft blanket is their favorite, but your cat might even milk your jeans or, unfortunately, your bare legs if you’re making shorts. Let’s talk a little more about what it means when your cat kneads a blanket and why it happens (sometimes even suddenly).

What Do You Call It When A Cat Kneads

If you’re a cat lover, you probably already know that a cat’s kneading movement has many different names.

Depending on who you are, your cat’s kneading may have different names. Among the most popular names are kneading, milking, making biscuits, and making muffins. 

Of course, none of these terms is more “right” than the other. The action your cat is making doesn’t have any proper terminology (not one that your average cat lover cares about), so my advice to you is calling your cat’s kneading what you find cutest. 

I like to call my cat’s kneading milking, but many others like the term making muffins or making biscuits. There’s just something pleasing about a cat as a baker, huh?

Why Is My Cat Making Muffins

Your cat is “making muffins” because your cat feels safe, comfortable, and happy with you.

When you adopt or purchase a cat, you might notice that your cat is tense and almost unhappy. As she gets more comfortable in your home and around you, you’ll notice that they begin to relax. They may even start to make muffins, otherwise known as kneading.

When your cat starts making muffins, that’s when you know that your cat is beginning to feel more at home with you. If they start making muffins, you know they’re happier in their new home. However, it might be a weird habit, especially if it’s your first time as a cat owner; never worry! It’s a great thing!

What Does It Mean When Your Cat Is Making Biscuits

When your cat is making biscuits, it means that they’re happy, just like when your cat is making muffins.

It might seem a little odd that one habit for a cat has so many names, but since there’s no one specific term for it, cat owners take it upon themselves to name it themselves – or choose the name they like the most. 

Just remember this: if your cat is a baker, whether they’re making muffins or biscuits, it means that they’re content in your home and around you. An unhappy cat won’t take on a baker’s role, so it’s always a positive thing that your cat has taken on this new career role.

Why Has My Cat Suddenly Started Kneading

It might seem sudden that your cat has started kneading, but your cat has suddenly started kneading because they’re happy.

If your cat has never kneaded you or your blankets before, it might seem strange if they suddenly start kneading.

This sudden change can be for a variety of reasons:

• A change in the environment has positively affected your cat.
• Your cat is more comfortable around you.
• You purchased a new blanket that your cat adores (like a faux fur or generally soft blanket)
• Your cat was never affectionate (some cats aren’t!), but something might have caused your cat’s personality to change.
• Your cat might have been sick or not feeling well, but they may start to milk blankets as they feel better.

Your cat kneading suddenly doesn’t mean anything is wrong; after all, kneading usually only means positive things!

Why Do Cats Knead Their Owners

If your cat is kneading you as its owner, there are two reasons: your cat feels safe and reminded of nursing its mother, or your cat is marking its territory. 

If your cat is comfortable around you, your cat is kneading you because he feels safe around you. With that comfort and safety comes the happy memory of nursing his mother while he was a kitten.

On the other hand, your cat might also be kneading you as a way to mark his territory. Kneading you is a way to put his scent on you. As an example, one of my cats will jump onto my lap and knead my jeans while staring at the other cat in the room. That’s my cat’s way of marking its territory. 

Why Does My Cat Knead Me But Not My Husband

Your cat kneads whoever they feel happiest and most comfortable around; if you spend more time with your cat and take care of them, your cat will knead you and not your husband. 

Just because your cat kneads you and not your husband doesn’t necessarily mean your cat dislikes or hates your husband. If you’re the one that feeds your cat, cleans his litter box, and pets them the most, your cat will be happier with you and be more likely to knead you. 

If you’re not around and your cat wants someone to knead, he may settle for your husband. Chances are, though, that your cat wants you!

Why Does My Cat Knead The Blanket

Your cat kneads blankets because they are soft and warm.

You’ve seen your cat knead a blanket, especially if it’s soft or especially warm. Your cat is kneading the blanket because the blanket reminds your cat of its mother and its life as a kitten. When your cat is young, it milks and feeds from its mother. Her stomach is soft and warm, and your kitten is often squished around its brothers and sisters. Your throw blanket gives your cat the same sensation. 

When your cat is kneading the blanket, you probably notice that your cat is purring and maybe even drooling or sucking on the blanket. That makes more sense now. Even if it makes wet spots on your favorite blanket…

Why Do Cats Knead And Bite Blankets

If you notice that your cat is also biting the blanket while kneading, that’s also because it is reminded of its time nursing from its mother.

Even the oldest cats have fond memories of their time as a kitten. Surprisingly, even kitten who were not nursed by their mother often instinctively knead and bite a soft blanket. 

Your cat is biting the blanket because, oddly enough, your cat is looking for its mother’s nipple. Of course, your cat isn’t going to find a nipple buried in your comfortable, but the sensation triggers your cat’s memories and instincts from kittenhood.

When it comes to making muffins (or milking or making biscuits), your cat’s instincts kick in because it remembers its life as a baby nursing from its mother. No matter what you might call your cat’s kneading habits, I think we can all agree that it’s probably one of the most endearing parts of your cat’s habits.