A "paw massage" is considered to be a feline's natural instinct, as cats are always preparing a place for themselves to sleep or to give birth with such movements. Scientists have stated that kittens use such "flimsy" movements to stimulate a mother's mammary glands.
The scientists also noted that there are special glands in the paw pads of cats that leave a special smell behind marking any territory or thing, as well as a person, stating their "property rights".