I would guess it's contentment. Cat's groom each other, she just figures it's her turn and that's soothing... imo.
Frankly, I don't think I have loving thoughts when doing that :lol:If you clean Metoo's eyes, thinking/saying loving thoughts, maybe by now she has picked up on your loving feelings, so that's what she is projected.
Q-tip works best for us. I've tried towel, tissue, cotton ball before, and none of these does a good job like q-tip does. They cover too big area and Metoo hated to have her face wet. It's also hard to apply a little pressure on the stubborn gunks. With q-tip I can finish in half minute but with other tools it won't be done until Metoo lost her patient and started wiggle.Please don't use a Q-tip!! To much risk she will startle or your hand/arm will move suddenly and she will get poked. Use a mostened kleenex/paper towel/cotton wash cloth etc. Never anything "pointed". GL B