Ornery does that to me,too...it is a form of massaging I hear. Except for
the scratch marks he used to leave, it was kind of soothing.

Hi Julian,

What you're describing is called 'kneading'.  All kittens knead their
mother's teats to encourage them to express milk.  It continues, in many
cats, long after they have ceased to rely on their mother.  Some cats also
'suckle', especially on a fluffy jumper.  It is a very loving thing and
seems to give cats great comfort, hence the purring.  It is a pity that
claws often come into play, but you can discourage this by letting your cat
know it hurts and saying "gentle".  In purrsistent cats it can help to
gently squeeze the paw, but do nothing to cause pain.  I'm glad you say you
don't mind this kneading, because you must never be angry with her -  shout
at her or smack her - during something so pleasurable and affectionate; it
would be most hurtful and offensive to your furry friend.

By all means provide a scratching post for your cat - it will save your
furniture, apart from giving your cat pleasure.  However, do think twice
about using feathers or fur if you can't supervise your cat during play.
Not all cats are as canny as we imagine, and I have certainly had cats that
eat feathers outdoors and either vomit or choke.  It is the choking that
concerns me.  I'm sure you would not like your cat to choke or risk an
internal obstruction when you're not there to help.  To be honest, I will
not even buy the fur-covered mice that are sold as proprietory cat toys,
having seen this foreign fur expelled in my cat's litter tray.  I do offer
felt toys, but corks and scrunched newsprint are very acceptable to my
cats - and they're free.

Spider

it's a lovely sign of affection. i trim my cats' claws about every week
to avoid the pain associated with kneading!
i use people nail clippers, and clip off the thin, pointy end of each
claw on front feet.
the cats don't mind, i've been doing it since they were babies, and it
makes them far more acceptable on skin and furniture!