"Scott" wrote
What makes it more frustrating is she gives nothing back, affection
wise.

She exhibits loving behavior (she will roll over on her back in our
presence, which I understand to be her way of saying "I love you"
based on FAQS I've read) but she doesn't want to be in physical
contact unless it's "by request" and it's her getting the attention.

My first cat was like this, only worse. I adored her. I had no idea
what a nice cat was like! She lived to be 20, and as she got older,
she became slightly more affectionate. She would at least come to
me if I was upset, and be affectionate. She also responded to pretty
songs by seeking affection in her later years. (Stuff with piano and
acoustic guitare, pretty vocals, that sort of thing.)


I suppose if I want guaranteed adoration, I should get a dog. :0)

I call my current cat a puppycat, because she dogs me, follows
me everywhere, has to be touching me, or sits at my feet.

When I found her at the shelter, she leaned into my hand. She
chose me.

On a related note, often times she will come into the room I'm in and
start meowing like she wants something. If I'm busy, I'll ignore her
for a bit till the tone changes and it sounds as if she's pleading or
crying.

But when I get up and she takes off, she doesn't make it obvious as to
what she wants and since I don't speak "meow" I have no idea.

She doesn't take you to her food bowl (which I'll still check anyway).
She doesn't lead you to a door (she's an indoor cat but she often
likes looking outside through the screen door).

She's (surprisingly) not asking for affection (when she does, she runs
to her "spot" on an end table in the living room).

I really feel bad about it at times. It's a somewhat helpless
feeling.


So, you don't know what she wants?