<P> Cats sometimes repeatedly tread their front paws on humans or soft objects with a kneading action . This is instinctive to cats and in adults, is presumably derived from the action used to stimulate milk let - down by the mother during nursing . Cats often purr during this behaviour, usually taken to indicate contentment and affection . </P> <P> Cats have scent glands on the underside of their paws . When they knead or scratch objects or people, it is likely these pheromones are transferred to the person or object being kneaded or scratched . </P> <P> Touching noses, sometimes known as "sniffing noses", is a friendly, tactile greeting for cats . </P> <P> Some cats rub their faces on humans, apparently as a friendly greeting or indicating affection . This tactile action is combined with olfactory communication as the contact leaves scent from glands located around the mouth and cheeks . Cats also sometimes "head - bump" humans or other cats with the front part of the head; this action is referred to as "bunting". Again this communication might have an olfactory component as there are scent glands in this area of the body, and is possibly for seeking attention when the cat turns their head down or to the side while doing so . </P>

What does it mean when cats sniff each others noses