I have a gray and white cat that LOVES to sleep on my arm when I'm in my chair in the living room. I love him, but there are times when I just need a little space or want to be able to use my arm...
Sometimes if my cat "really" wants pets and attention, but i can't at the moment, I'll just hold onto her with a big loving hug until she's pissed enough to leave me alone for a bit.
I have a solid black cat that you can just do anything with. If he's laying there you can lay with him and he's happy or you can pick him up and carry him ti a whole other room and put him somewhere and as long as you give him a few pets he'll be happy.