Cat behaviour question

[Lorelei76]

I've never owned a cat so don't know much except I love them!

Today I was walking home and a mewing cat came along wanting some attention. It's the station walk so was fairly busy but she came to me from sitting under a car. I petted her for a bit, from a half standing position as I had two big bags on back and shoulder, but then she started kind of pawing upwards sitting on her hind legs. With one of my friends cats, that means it wants to be picked up and carried but I don't know if that's normal? I wasn't going to pick up a strange cat in case it scratched me.

Then when I went, she tried to follow me for about fifty yards but then her owner came calling up the road just as I was wondering what to do!

Anyway, does the pawing up mean they want something in particular?

[WeirdAndPissedOff]

Depending on the cat it could be asking to be picked up, but I'd say it's mostly just a way of begging for attention.
IME most cats tend to dislike being picked up, even the fussy ones who demand attention.

I think you just met a very friendly cat who took a shine to you!

[ButteredToastAndStrawberryJam]

You'll probably see the cat another day and it'll give you a dirty look, that's cats for you!

[Fluffycloudland77]

It's when their really enjoying the fuss & want to head bop/ get closer to you.

Have you looked into adopting a cat? They obviously like you.

[Lorelei76]

What's a Head bop?

Yes, if i didn't live in a tiny flat I'd consider it so maybe later in life I'll get a cat.

[cozietoesie]

Pretty well what it sounds like. They sort of 'bop' you with their head - nudge you etc etc.

Sounds as if it liked you.

[Lorelei76]

So when they are doing the paw up thing, is it safe to give them a cuddle from there? It looks a bit strange!

She was nuzzling my legs a lot as well and purring very loudly.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yes it's ok.

[cozietoesie]

The only trouble is that if she's asked you for attention and you actually give it to her - and she clearly likes you - you may find it difficult to go home alone. Who can tell why cats choose certain people but they usually do.

[Lorelei76]

Thanks all
There's no danger of me taking her home
It's a pet free building as well as the flat being tiny, boiling hot etc.

Where I lived before, there was a cat who would sit on the doorstep waiting for me, she didn't seem to like the other residents. I'd sit for half an hour or so and pet her but she seemed to understand that eventually I'd have to go back in and then she'd go ...well I guess home, but possibly she just went to another affectionate neighbour.

[cozietoesie]

It sounds as if you're destined to have a cat.