Your cat kneads your boob as a deep sign of comfort, affection, and trust, stemming from kittenhood nursing instincts where kneading stimulates milk flow from their mother's breast; they associate your soft, warm chest with that security, marking you as theirs with scent glands in their paws and showing they feel safe and content, often releasing oxytocin.
Kneading — which some people refer to as “making biscuits” — is a sign of contentment and happiness. 🐈 Cats knead their mothers when they are nursing to stimulate the let-down of milk.
Every cat is unique, but many show noticeable behavior changes during their pet parent's pregnancy. Increased affection – Some cats become extra cuddly, snuggling near your belly, kneading (or “making biscuits”), or curling up in your lap more often.
Probably because it has your scent on it and he loves you! Cats have glands that secrete pheromones along their spine and on their face so when they rub against something or someone they transfer those pheromones to you or in this case your bra. He is marking you as 'his' so take it as a compliment.
Respect boundaries: Some cats prefer short sessions; forcing longer contact can stress them. A cat sleeping on your stomach/chest and purring loudly is primarily expressing trust, comfort and social bonding; loud purring can also be attention-seeking or self-soothing.
Signs your cat has imprinted on you include following you everywhere, kneading you (making biscuits), rubbing against you (bunting), slow blinking, bringing you "gifts," grooming you, and showing you their vulnerable belly as a sign of deep trust and seeing you as family. They'll also greet you excitedly, sleep near or on you, and communicate with you using unique vocalizations.
While sometimes bothersome and uncomfortable, there are actually surprising benefits to letting your cat sleep on your chest. A cat's purr has been shown to reduce stress and be medically therapeutic for illnesses in humans.
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
This sniff can help a cat determine if this will be a friendly encounter… or not. Cats use their sense of smell to help them understand and assess their environment so much so that it makes sense for them to seek the same information from humans with the same butt or crotch sniff… even if we hate it.
An unfamiliar scent or change in routine can cause your cat to change their behaviour. They may start showing increased affection towards you, becoming clingy and perhaps lying on your belly. Or they may become a bit withdrawn or unhappy.
While cats have remarkable night vision, they cannot see in total darkness. Contrary to popular belief, no animal, including cats, can see in absolute darkness. Vision requires at least some level of light to function, and if there is no light source at all, a cat's eyes will not be able to process images.
Common Causes of Clingy Cat Behavior
Clinginess in cats often starts with a trigger. A new family member, loss of a pet or family member, or even sudden changes in routine can cause your cat to become overly clingy. Cats love routine, and disruptions can make them feel unsafe. Health issues are another possibility.
Interestingly, having your cat lay on your chest can have health benefits for you, too. The act of petting a cat and listening to their purr can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement where both you and your cat can feel more relaxed and content.
Signs your cat has bonded with you include affectionate behaviors like kneading ("making biscuits"), slow blinking (kitty kisses), head bunting to mark you with their scent, grooming you, bringing you "gifts," sleeping near or on you, and showing their vulnerable belly. They'll often follow you, greet you at the door, and communicate with happy meows and purrs, showing deep trust and comfort in your presence.
To show affection — Cats may knead their favorite people or other household pets to show affection as they did with their mothers. To scent mark — Kneading their favorite bedding, places, or people leaves scent markings from glands in the feet, effectively claiming them as their own.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone, offer treats or toys, initiate slow blinking, give space if needed, and respect their boundaries for physical touch, focusing on actions and tone over words to rebuild trust and affection. Don't force interaction, as they respond to reassurance and positive experiences more than human language.
Research suggests that cats' short term memories last around 16 hours, which means they can remember recent events and react accordingly. If a cat has had a minor scare—such as a loud noise or being bumped by accident—it may remember and act skittishly for a short period.
Cats are natural healers, and their soothing presence goes beyond just being cute companions. Their purring, for instance, isn't just a sign of contentment—it vibrates at a frequency that has been shown to promote healing, reduce stress, and even lower blood pressure.
The simple answer: warmth, safety, and affection. Most cats are territorial creatures with an independent nature, yet many still crave close contact with their favorite humans. Sleeping between your legs offers a blend of comfort, security, and body heat that many cats find irresistible.
They may not be able to pick up certain nuances between human negative moods such as loneliness or grief, but they know when we are in a low mood compared to when we're feeling happy. The closer your bond is with your cat, the more likely they are to be in sync with you and understand your different moods.