That's so wonderful and of course with three here, I can and do relate. There are few things in life as exquisite as a cats expression of pure pleasure and relaxation, and that they are that comfortable with us, means we get that gift as often as we're open to it.
This sounds corny, but my head and their heads are a really important part of our connection.
When I first got Petunia back in 2011, during my visits to the shelter, she was kind of a cautious runt in the main cat room who melted when I held her and washed her head with my goatee. Been doing that almost daily for all of these fifteen years and it's never a chore.
Cuddles is almost the opposite in that he is kind of alpha in that he does it on his terms, twice a day Max where Petunia would do it on the hour lol. Cuddles takes some time, curls up my face, and entertains himself rubbing his head with me being pretty still. Purrs for maybe ten minutes and then bye bye.
The only time he ever turns into a lap cat is when I walk him. It's crazy, because he will only sit in a lap outside.
Shadow thinks I'm her mom, and is already really good at coming when called. She also just melts when my goatee gets involved lol, and she has a way of showing she's excited when I get down in her level and we rub against each other and I give her a chin bath. I know it sounds corny, but the bristly part is obviously loved by all of them in their own way.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, it's so easy to envision your stress just melting away. It feels amazing.
The more we engage their personalities, the more their personalities emerge.
Have a wonderful day and thanks again.