Kneading with the Paws
A kitten’s first instinct is to push into the mammary glands to get more milk. The kneading motion stays with them, and adult cats tend to do it when they associate something with their mothers. Overall, they feel content and happy.
Ignoring You
Cats are very smart; they may not answer, but they know the owner’s voice and their name. Overall, cats show affection when they want to. It doesn’t mean you’re not heard. Don’t take things personally; they come back when they want affection.