Question

Why do some cats knead with their paws, and what does it mean when they do this?

Answer 1

Cats knead with their paws as a sign of contentment and affection. Kneading is typically a behavior that cats display when they are feeling relaxed and secure. It is believed that cats knead as a way to show their owners that they are happy and comfortable.

Answer 2

Cats are territorial creatures, and one of the ways they safeguard their turf is to scent-mark their belongings. By kneading their paws on the surface of something (yes, including you), they're activating the scent glands in their soft paw pads, thereby marking that item as theirs.