Why does my cat knead her paws/claws into things?

Cats do that to their mothers. It means they’re comfortable and content.

The kneading is what kittens instinctively do while nursing with Mom as it stimulates milk flow.

Most cats then carry it over into adulthood sort of like kids sucking their thumbs. It’s a sensory memory of comfort and they consider us humans as their extended family.

@Buttonstc : so it means she’s.. nostalgic, in a way? or just content, like if they roll onto their back and all.

Well, it’s hard to know exactly, but I think it’s a little of both. They are frequently purring in both activities.

But when they are rolling on their backs seeking to be petted that’s special in a different way because that’s a real expression of trust. Revealing their belly is a very vulnerable position as that’s where predators in the wild seek to attack so whenever a cat does that it shows how completely relaxed and trusting it is.

Some of my cats when kneading would sort of “zone out” and sometimes even drool a little bit so obviously this is a really strong sense memory for them.

@Buttonstc ; okay! thanks for the info. now I want to hug my cat. xD

I’ve always called it dough-boying, don’t know why or where it came from.

I heard it was called making biscuits!

MIlo does only on cashmere sweaters or expensibe fleece jackets. He combines the kneading with chewing on the material. Luckily I learned how to make neat darns in Jr. High Home Ec. (Anyone here remember that?)

Aww I miss my kitty who died last year. She would do it all the time, and her claws were so sharp. I actually have markings on my legs where she would pump in claws when relaxed. I loved when she slept on my lap, so i didn’t want to to interrupt it, but it hurts like hell!

It just plain feels good.

they do that because they like to claw things i think it entertains them