Why do cats think it's nice to be kneaded?

Cat lovers all know the special paw motions of a happy cat in the lap, although no one seems to agree on what to call this pleasurable bit of body language. Call it "making biscuits" or "kneading," th message is the same: affection and trust. Like a hug.

Making biscuits is a holdover from kittenhood. When cats are babies, they move their paws against their mother's side when nursing. When your cat does this to you, he's telling you he considers you to be just like his mother--purring and kneading in a demonstration of feline love.

Tidbit: Within two to three days of birth, each kitten in a litter chooses his or her own teat, and from then on, generally only takes a nip from this nipple.