I've had several tabbies over the years. They would come to you when they wanted affection and stay by you but would not crawl into your lap. My Pumpkin (medium long haired black cat-17.5 yrs and counting) is becoming more and more of a lap cat. When she was a kitten, I was afraid she would get into my cross-stitch and quilting stuff and do herself harm so I discouraged her from being a lap cat. Now, she will be there whether or not you want her to be. She allows me to rub her tummy and carry her like a baby but she still doesn't like alot of different people. It took her years to love my mother and it is odd because my mother is an animal magnet. Anyway, love your helpers lots and give them an extra pet from me.