Random cats that don't know nor respect you might do that for sure!

But my experience has been the opposite, probably because I've had the time and opportunity to really relate to them, from tending to Tigers half bitten off paw as a kitten to now having a relationship with Moopaa with his three legs and no self pity or insecurity hehe!

Also when I simply take for granted that they are both rational, fair and proud in natural ways then they respect me, and most days there is harmony ;-)

And when that is not the case, they would never dare touching me in any way! That has worked well even when intervening in vicious cat fights hehe