Is it normal for cats to do this specific thing or rare?

That’s perfectly normal behavior for a domesticated pet.

Obviously, that cat has a strong bond with his people. Plus he knows which side his bread is buttered on. He’s no fool.

Certainly he could take a hike anytime he chose to, but what motivation is there to leave his primary source of food and love.

And presumably he’s been neutered so doesn’t have that urge driving him.

He’s a smart cat who knows when he’s got it good.

@gailcalled has pictures of Milo sitting in the yard just sunning himself and admiring his surroundings. And afterward he comes back into the house to enjoy more pampering.

Tons of contented cats do the exact same thing and have been doing so throughout history.

In ancient Egypt the cats were attracted to the plentiful amount of mice to hunt who had been attracted there by the Egyptians grain storage facilities. And then they discovered that they also enjoyed the prerogatives that accompanied being worshipped as deities.

And the pattern continued.

I wouldn’t expect every cat to do this, but neither is it rare. Some cats just like to be around their people a lot.

I have had several cats that liked to go on on walks with me. Never leashed them, they would just follow along. Years ago when I lived in a beach community my adopted cat would walk several blocks to a little local market with me, ( corner store and the walk was along a residential street of houses, not a busy city street ) wait around the corner and walk home with me. He was a great cat, lived over 15 years.

My old Himalayan mix that died in 2010 as well as my current siamese would walk all over my properties with me and scamper around, run up and down trees and tag along. I love cats. :-)

@dappled_leaves is exactly right. Cats, like any other animal (including human), each behaves differently depending on many factors including upbringing and genetics. I keep mine in the house, so when he gets a rare opportunity to go outside (usually because someone left the door open), he dashes for a mailbox, too—but unfortunately one as far away from mine as he can. ;-)

Milo here

very normal.

When I was first married we had a cat who would take walks with us.

My cat growing up used to meet my brother and I on our way home from school and escort is right to the front door! He also used to follow us to and from the local shop.

We have a lynx-point Siamese who was a stray that adopted us, and he does this often. If I go on a walk and he’s outside, I hear his rolling meows as he trots up behind me. He only follows up to a certain corner, where I tell him “No, stay” (because it’s too dangerous and I don’t want him going toward a busy street), at which point he sits and waits for me to come back. He’s also fond of playing tag in the backyard (both to chase and be chased) and he loves chasing frisbees. He’s the most dog-like cat I’ve ever encountered and he has so many quirks. He’s a very awesome kitty.

Quite normal. I’ve had cats that followed me around. My cat now wouldn’t do that. He’s very well aware of my place in the pecking order and that place does not require him to follow me. I should, however, follow him to the kitchen to replenish his bowl.

Do you live across the street from me? You describe me and my cat. Also when I drive into our long driveway in my truck sometimes my cat will see me and run up the driveway toward my truck. I stop, open the door and my cat will jump in. Then we ride the rest of the way together.

Yes, but not for all cats. I have been on a walk with two people, a dog, and three cats, several times.

Some will, but most won’t. It really depends on their personality, and most cats just don’t feel their people are worth taking time out of their napping schedule to hang with. Then again, not all roommates are close friends either.