What does my cat's odd behavior indicate? Territorial? Protective?

Question

Well she's not my cat, but she's my housemate's cat and I've been living with the cat (she's a persian kitty) for about 2 months and we get along fine, and she often rolls on her back whenever we're playing so I know she trusts me. Anyways so my housemate went on vacation a couple weeks ago and I've been kitty-sitting for him! well after a week I started noticing odd behavior from her... whenever I got home from class, I'd go straight to her food and water bowl to make sure that they are filled, but whenever I do this, she darts towards her food first and blocks me from getting any closer to the food, then she eats a few pieces of her kitty food. So I'm like whatever and I start walking out of the room and she darts past me and blocks me from leaving the room and then I walk around her and go to my room and she darts by me and blocks me from walking anywhere!! What is she doing?! She's also like this with her cat scratching post bed furniture thing (this is where she sleeps everynight). Whenever I walk towards it, she darts by me and jumps on it before I can get there! then she rolls on her back and looks like she wants to play, I'm not sure... sooo anyone know what she's doing?! she usually only does this when I've been out for 3-4 hours and come home.

thanks guys!

Answer 1

i'd say she wants your attention either for play or for some nice rubs (depending on the mood of the moment). if she were feeling protective or territorial of her items, she'd be growling at you or sitting there with ears back & tail lashing. she's just gotten to know you better & is comfortable with you, so is seeking you out for some of your time. (she's also missing her owner and is seeking some affection from the next best thing in their absence for some comfort.) cats are experts at directing us to give it to them, usually with behavior like this (or weaving in and out of our legs when we're walking). either way, don't be afraid or alarmed...you seem to be doing something right in her eyes, so keep it up. :-)