Is there any definitive reason why cats are so affectionate when

>>2259115
They're cats. They aren't affectioate.

As to why they like the smell of your shit, who knows. They're smelly animals, maybe that's why.

they're disgusting, dirty animals

Taking a shit is a sign on weakness. They're watching your back to protect you from predators.

I feel like cats want to protect you when you pee and they want the same. My cat prefers to shit when I watch him and he'll watch me shit in return

>>2259115
They know you are in a place you have to pay attention to them.

It varies quite a lot. Usually it depends how they were domesticated or how they were raised. They could see you as vulnerable, and are doing it to protect you, or they could be doing it because they want something. Cats are very, very independent most of the time, so it could very well be affection.

They're protecting you. My cats always guard each other while they're in the box, and they're doing the same for you.

>>2259122
>Taking a shit is a sign on weakness. They're watching your back to protect you from predators.

LOL, cats a predator species. More like they notice you're vulnerable and that attracts them to you.

>>2259312
being a predator doesn't mean shit can't surprise you. domestic cats aren't an apex predator and they know it.