Step 1 : Introduction to the question "10. What is one explanation for why my cat "kneads"?"
...1. a sign of aggressiveness 2. a sign of fear 3. a sign of feeling sad 4. a sign of well-being or contentment "Kneading" has been linked as a sign of affection because it's thought that the cat is portraying signs of wellness as they did in kittenhood with their mothers. As kittens, they knead on their mothers to increase the milk flow, and so when they continue kneading into adulthood it's believed to be a way of showing they feel loved and cared for.