How friendly is friendly?

[TheCatOfAthenry]

Just noticed lately that people have really varied standards regarding what they call a 'friendly cat'. I have a cousin who thinks her cat is really friendly because he tolerates being rubbed on his terms, and while her cat is beautiful, I find him a tad stand-offish.

My two scream like I'm a rock star when I come in from work, sleep on my lap at least daily, but not total lap cats, generally love new people. Cookie loves belly rubs and only likes to be held like a baby.

I'd consider mine fairly friendly, but have had cats who would sit on my book just so they had my completely undivided attention. I've also had totally aloof babies. (I'm excluding past semi-feral cats from this, although my old Heathcliff did eventually become a cuddle monster.)

So what would you consider a friendly cat? Picture of mine as per the rules.

Hmmm! Ollie i wouldn't say is friendly because he won't approach other people even though he's an absolute pudding with me. My neighbours cat throws herself at anyone for belly rubs
Stable cat is er, stable cat. There are no words for her

I'd call them friendly if they climb on my lap or nuzzle me occasionally, allow me to pick them up for cuddles and encourage tummy rubs. Which describes my two. If they climbed on my lap every time I sat down or demanded to sleep on my bed when I'm in it I'd call them a PITA.

I used to set the bar quite low but I had a really scratchy cat. As a result any cat that didn't shred my skin seemed friendly. My current cat is a really softie though. This is how she sleeps on my lap.

My 'old man' cat isn't friendly to anyone apart from me, DH and my mum. He will sit and snuggle with us, occasionally has a love with the DC and that's it. He does cry for the DC's if they are not around, it's almost like he's checking we know they're not around. But quite often I find him asleep with one of the DC's.

My 'baby' cat is friendly as anything, she doesn't care who you are she will curl up with you. She is also an incredibly vocal cat. And loves being pushed around in the DC's dolls pram. She really needs to be in the middle of everything.

Mine are shy but once their confidence is gained, very friendly. Not really lap cats but very affectionate. My parents cat pretends to be standoffish. But is a total 'pudding' as Olivander says. One of my friends cats is very grumpy and only likes him, her daughter is lovely though.

@DumbledoresApprentice that's a lovely picture!

Boycat pretends to be really friendly but really just has a taste for human flesh.

Thanks