Scientists who study cat behavior call this distinctive paw action “kneading” and believe it to be a sign of a relaxed cat. My own cats knead before taking a nap near me. While they are kneading, they purr — one of them gets so relaxed, he sometimes drools. Kneading usually occurs near a favorite person.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/pets/what-it-means-when-cats-knead-with-their-paws/ar-AANDKc2?ocid=msnews
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