Cats first begin to knead their paws while continuing to feed from their mothers. This helps stimulate the cat’s milk production by releasing oxytocin. The same action has an evolutionary advantage. It is a form of tactile and pheromone bonding between kitten and mother. Cats have glands under their paws, and these glands release pheromones when they knead something. These substances calm animals.
Why do cats carry this childish behavior into adulthood? Maybe it can help them communicate. If a cat crinkles its paws on your lap, it’s his way of saying “we’re connected” or “you’re in my social group”. In most cases, this behavior indicates that your cat is relaxed. However, if too often, over a long period of time, the mashing or sucking seems intrusive and the animal begins to hurt its paws or mouth, this may be a sign that it is under stress or in pain.
Source: Ferra
