Why Do Cats Knead and Dogs Circle Before Lying Down? Unpacking the Mysteries of Pet Behavior

Have you ever watched your dog circle repeatedly before settling down or noticed your cat rhythmically kneading a soft blanket? These familiar yet curious behaviors have been seen for generations, yet the reasons behind them are often misunderstood. Let’s explore why our pets engage in these instinctual acts, what these habits mean, and how understanding them can improve their well-being.

Why Do Cats Knead?

Cats, both wild and domestic, share certain behaviors that connect back to their ancient roots. One common behavior, kneading (or “making biscuits”), involves pressing their paws alternately against a soft surface. But why do cats knead, and what does it mean?

1.Instinctive Comfort from Kittenhood

Kneading is a behavior that begins in kittenhood. Newborn kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, creating an association between kneading and comfort. As they grow, many cats continue this as a self-soothing action, often doing it when they feel safe and content. A study from International Cat Care notes that kneading can even release endorphins in cats, making them feel happy and relaxed.

2.Marking Territory Through Scent Glands

Did you know that cats have scent glands in their paws? When they knead, they release subtle pheromones that mark their territory. This is their way of saying, “This is my space.” So, if your cat kneads on you, consider it a compliment! For a comfortable spot they’ll enjoy kneading on, a cozy cat bed from our Cat Beds & Bedding Collection can enhance their natural comfort.

3.Releasing Built-Up Energy and Relaxing Muscles

Kneading may also help release pent-up energy and stretch their muscles after a long day. It’s a natural part of their wind-down routine. Want to encourage this instinctive relaxation? Providing your cat with a dedicated soft blanket or pet-friendly surface lets them knead comfortably and helps them establish a comforting daily routine.

4.Kneading Helps Cats Mark Their Territory

Did you know that cats have scent glands in their paws? Yes, those adorable, fluffy pads are more than just cute! When cats knead on soft surfaces, they’re not only feeling cozy but also marking their territory. This action releases pheromones that signal, “This is mine!” Whether it's a favorite blanket, a bed, or even you, your cat is leaving her scent to let the world know it’s hers. According to How Stuff Works, cats instinctively mark their surroundings this way, using their paws to claim their space.

If your cat is a bit too enthusiastic with her claws while kneading on your lap, there are a few ways to manage it. Try trimming her nails (never declawing), placing a blanket between her paws and your skin, or wearing sturdy clothing that she’ll love kneading on.

5.Cats Knead to Create a Nest

Kneading has roots in survival! In the wild, cats often knead to prepare a nest-like area, making it more comfortable for rest. As Purina explains, kneading softens the ground or materials to create a cozy sleeping spot. This behavior provides both comfort and a sense of ownership, and for domesticated cats, it’s a way to connect with their owners or mark a favorite blanket or bed.

For pregnant cats, nesting instinct increases as they look for safe spaces to give birth. Having a dedicated pet bed or cozy hideaway like our Cat Box Classics Cardboard Cat House offers cats a secure, soothing place to rest and knead. With integrated scratchers, it provides a calming environment where they can unwind and stay entertained.

6.Kneading Helps Cats Stretch and Strengthen Muscles

Kneading isn’t just for marking or nesting; it’s also a beneficial stretch for your cat! Similar to how stretching after a nap can alleviate soreness for humans, kneading helps your cat work out stiffness in her shoulders, back, and paws. By stretching out these muscles, cats prepare themselves to pounce or move swiftly if needed, an instinctual way to stay flexible and agile.

7.Kneading and Heat Cycles

For unspayed female cats, kneading can be a sign of entering heat. If you notice your cat kneading in the air or stretching while lying on her side, she might be sending signals to male cats. According to Animal Planet, this behavior indicates readiness to mate, so spaying your cat can prevent unwanted litters and help her stay healthy.

Whether it's marking their territory, creating a comfortable nest, stretching, or signaling, kneading is a behavior that makes our feline friends unique. By understanding and supporting their needs with cozy bedding and designated scratching areas, you can help your cat feel safe, comfortable, and happy!

Why Do Dogs Circle Before Lying Down?

Circling is a well-known dog behavior that puzzles many pet owners. Often seen before they settle down for a nap, circling is an instinctual practice tied to their wild ancestors.

1. Instinctive Behavior From Ancestral Wolves

Circling before lying down can be traced back to dogs' wild ancestors, particularly wolves. Wolves would often circle an area in the grass or dirt before lying down to flatten it, making it more comfortable and protecting themselves from sharp objects, bugs, and other irritants. This instinct remains strong in our domesticated dogs, who feel compelled to create a safe, familiar resting spot even indoors.

2. Marking Territory With Scent

When dogs circle, they also release pheromones from glands located in their paws, subtly marking the area. By stamping their scent, they create a comforting space that is “theirs.” For our pets, circling is often a way to reclaim a specific spot on the couch or bed and add a layer of familiarity, easing them into a restful state. According to Purina, even though your dog knows he's at home, this marking behavior helps him feel secure.

3. Checking for Safety

In the wild, dogs need to be vigilant about safety, even when choosing a spot to rest. By circling, they can scan their surroundings for hidden dangers like snakes, insects, or thorny plants that could be harmful. While a cozy bed at home is unlikely to pose such threats, the behavior is so deeply ingrained that dogs continue to circle as a way to feel secure.

4. Temperature Regulation

Circling also serves as a natural form of temperature control. In outdoor settings, dogs may scratch at the ground or nestle into leaves to cool down in summer or conserve warmth in colder months. By circling, they’re instinctively trying to adjust their surroundings. Even indoors, this behavior remains because it’s how dogs naturally attempt to control their environment, ensuring comfort as they rest.

5. Preparing Muscles and Joints

Just as people often shift positions or stretch before sitting, circling can help dogs loosen up and prepare their muscles. Dogs are built to move and need to stay limber. This slight “warm-up” of circling gets their bodies ready for a period of inactivity, preventing cramps or stiffness, particularly beneficial for older dogs who may be prone to joint discomfort.

6. Building a “Den” or Familiar Nest

A natural nesting instinct influences dogs’ circling behavior as they create a secure place to rest. Even domesticated dogs crave this comfort and sense of boundary. By circling, they recreate a nest-like area within a larger home environment. Much like humans fluff pillows or arrange blankets, dogs circle to prepare their space, making it cozy and familiar for rest.

7. Routine and Mental Satisfaction

Many dogs develop habits and routines to help them feel more at ease. Circling is part of this, providing a sense of normalcy and comfort before settling down. Dogs thrive on routines and consistency; circling is a ritual that signals to them it’s time to rest. This behavior is also linked to mental stimulation, as following through with these natural steps satisfies the “completion” of their resting process, leaving them more relaxed and ready for a good nap.

Understanding why dogs circle before lying down reveals the connection between their ancestral instincts and modern-day habits. Even if your dog is surrounded by plush cushions and safe spaces, these deep-rooted behaviors are part of what makes them unique. Offering cozy, familiar pet beds that honor these needs, like our Fluffy Dog Beds, allows your dog to follow their instincts in comfort.