kottys social habits - feral

Question
We have had a feral cat for a little over two years. My son found her in the drive way and brought her home when she was just a little thing. Her eyes weren't even open.
Okay, fast forward to about seven, eight months ago. We still had my daughter's cat, Vinnie, who died in March after a good fight against kidney failure. And you have to keep in mind that Kotty was never friendly toward humans. Doesn't like to be held, no rubbing against the leg, but will be all over you trying to get the container of cat treats when she hears you shake the container.
Anyway, Kotty began this "thing" when I would go into the bathroom she would follow me in there. (My face is getting red as I write this) I'll be sitting on the toilet and it is during this time she will want to be petted. Her version of it anyway. She'll get close, swishing her tail, you stroke the last half of back and lightly hold her tail as she walks away. I end up sitting there unnecessarily for a few minutes because this is the only time she wants to be petted. She does it if I am sitting down somewhere else, on the couch, in a chair, but it's in the bathroom she really enjoys herself. After Vinnie died it has gotten worse, any time I go in there she will get there before me. After a few minutes of her idea of being petted she will knead the carpet in there (Yes, there is the same carpeting through out the place), and will eventually lie down.
Norman, what is going here?!? Why the bathroom, why me, and why doesn't she want to petted like a normal cat?

Answer
Janell,

First of all when you found the kitten, it was not yet weaned and, probably, way to young to be away from mama (based on you comment about the eyes not yet being open). Thus, it is probable that the kitten never got socialized to people!!!!!

Also, after Vinnie died, Kotty was probably grieving, and, in Vinnie's absence, the humans will do for needed affection.

Personally, I see nothing strange about the behavior, given Kotty's circumstances, and my guess would be that Kotty will continue to warm up.

It appears that Kotty is one of those cats who requests affection on their own terms when, and only when, they want it. Why the bathroom is beyond me.  But, sitting makes it easier for Kotty to approach you. You are probably much less threatening looking while seated than when standing!  The fact that you understand Kotty's terms is a plus for you and a real feather in your cap.  I would ignore Kotty until Kotty requests attention and give her the attention she wants when, and only when, she wants it.  Continue to do that and you two will continue to get along famously. Why you?  Think about it.  You accept Kotty's terms for affection and she appreciates your respect for those terms!

By the way, Kotty is a normal cat.  My Abyssinians are just the same way.  When they want attention, they get it.  When they don't want attention, you can't go near them. Like people, some cats just gush to get affection all the time, and some don't want it al all, but most are somewhere in between and, from time to time, that between point can shift.

I hope this helps put some parameters around your cats behavior even though I cannot really explain it either!

Best regards... Norm.