Cat's Welcome

So, this is how Stepan reacts every time I come home after being away for some hours. He lays down, in the middle of the room, waiting to be caressed. He seems to be happy to see me.

The question is open of cource on whether animals really have feelings or rather just follow their own agendas (how true for a cat!), initiated by their biological needs, behavior in the wild etc. One way or another, Stepan has this reaction that seems to match his animal needs and in the same time pleases me enormously!

Oh! and one more thing: he is not fat, just his fluffy fur gets expanded lying down