Although I've always had cats as pets, Ritz is the first one with whom we have such interaction. She seems to sense our needs at times too - she is somewhat "aloof" in the cuddling department, but when either of us is stressed out or not feeling up to par, she is inseparable - being as close as possible.

I always thought this to be more of a dog trait, but think that many kinds of animals come to relate to their human roommates in intricate and intimate ways.

It's probably more instinct than intelligence, but whatever it is, I love it