Hey all,
My partner and I adopted two bonded cats (both around 5 months of age, female, both spayed) they seem to be adjusting well. They are very sweet and seem like normal healthy cats! Can both be cuddly when they want to and are “interesting” from the hours of 1am to 7am.
I am just concerned about that they have not shown any kneading behaviours (aka “making biscuits”) towards me or my partner or even just on blankets or pillows. I don’t know what this means or if I should be concerned. Lots of people on tiktok have said it’s because they weren’t taken from their moms too early (good thing) and the other side of tiktok said their moms abandoned them.
Just want some clarity and possibly insight because I am DYING to be accepted into the biscuit industry and just want them to be as comfortable as possible.
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Sam
Congratulations on your recent adoption! This is a great question.
I've also wondered when my kitten will start '"making biscuits". I adopted her from a shelter, and she hasn't shown any signs of doing so for months.
Here are a few reasons why cats may not knead:
- Some kittens may have kneaded during nursing but stopped after weaning.
- Humans may have hand-reared the kitten after being orphaned early.
- They were separated from their mother as neonates and raised by human caretakers (this is what happened with my kitten).
- Abandoned by the queen.
- Some cats may start kneading when fully settled in the home or later as adults.
All cats are unique and have their habits and quirks. Some knead, while others don't, but they are all happy and content.
If you'd like more insight, please read this article by Dr O'Keeffe: Why Doesn't My Cat Knead: https://cats.com/why-doesnt-my-cat-knead .
In the meantime, concentrate on all the aspects you love about your cats and enjoy bonding with them.
I hope this helps explain things.
Best regards,
Melina