cats

[shorty1]

Why do they knead their paws?

[kookiandmojo]

my cats seem to do it when they are happy, or they might do it to get comfortable? because they seem to settle after doing it for a while, or maybe sharpening their claws gently??

[Ouisch]

It is an unconscious reaction to contentment, much like their purr.  The kneading action is ingrained from kittenhood, when from birth kitties alternately press their paws against mama's belly while nursing, in an effort to stimulate lactation.

[Greedyfly]

Its called paddling - and they enjoy it

[natalie_1982]

Because they wouldn't be able to walk otherwise :)

[natalie_1982]

Seriously though, I'd agree with the others it's like purring a natural reaction to something when they are happy.

[ursula62]

I asked this question when I was a kid and we had our first kitten.  My mum told me that it was something wild cats did in their nest before they lay down to sleep - to make sure that no snakes had got in the bedding.

I must have been a gullible little girl!

[murphywatt9]

Its from when they're kittens, pressing mums tummy to get milk out.

[peachy_puss]

yes from when there kittens but cats allso have scent glans in the paws so i think it 's them marking there territory..