Many of us have chosen to adopt a pet cat. Though we may want to pet, hug, and squeeze our beloved feline whenever the mood strikes us, it can be difficult, especially with an independently-minded cat. You can exploit the cat's irresistible urge to sit on whatever you're reading and get her to warm up to you in no time.

[edit] Steps

Find your cat. If they are not readily visible, they may be hiding. Remember, cats can fit into seemingly impossible spaces, so check everywhere, including small crevices.
Once you've located them, sit down on a nearby piece of furniture.
Call your cat's name. They will respond either by looking at you; turning an ear in your direction; pausing from current activity (such as cleaning themselves); or slowly getting up, stretching, and leaving the room.
If your cat leaves the room, pause, take a deep breath, and start over at step 1.
If they acknowledge you, begin to pat your knee and call them again in a pleasing, high-pitched voice.
The cat should now be looking at you. If it turns away, make strange noises, like bird chirps, to regain their attention.
Increase speed of knee patting and tension in voice. At this point, your cat will probably move a few feet farther away from you.
Stop patting your knee and stand up. Pretend that you are looking at the ceiling. Slowly make your way towards the cat. It will probably stand, stretch, and leave the room.
You have your cat right where you want it, believe it or not. Return to your piece of furniture. Sit down calmly.
Open a book or magazine and begin reading silently. Dive into your reading material. Focus all your attention on it, ignoring the cat totally.
Out of nowhere, your cat will suddenly appear on top of said reading material.
Pet your new best friend.
If your cat leaves, act like you are glad to be doing something very important.
Your cat will be sure to get into the middle of whatever important activity you are doing, especially if you ignore it in the process.

[edit] Tips

Remember, no matter what it seems like, you're in control. You're the human. You're the one buying the food. The cat knows this, but also seems to know when you want to pet it. Cats are not like dogs; if you ignore your cat it will eventually come to you for attention to show its appreciation for you understanding its need for "space".
Wait until the cat is fully awake until you try this, If the cat is tired it may be inclined to happily ignore you and take a nap.
You can also try sitting on the floor, with your reading material spread on the floor before you. Your cat might be scared of making the jump, literally.
Cats love being petted on the top of the head, below the chin, down the back, and at the end of their back just before the tail. Stick to these sweet spots if you want your cat to warm up to you. Stay away from petting their paws, tail, and stomach at first.
Try sitting on the toilet and leaving the bathroom door open. The feline's curiosity is sure to bring them within reach.
Try scratching your cat between the shoulder blades - this is a spot they can't reach easily, and they generally love it.
If you have just named your new cat it might not react positively to being called. Check out the name from a cat's perspective. You know the sounds cats produce when hostile. Check if the name you chose contains hissing sounds, particularly combined with low "o" or "oo" sounds. Your cat might think you are threatening her or are upset. Try using "kitty" or "mee" and see if you get a better reaction then select a new name with "i" and "ee" vowels and clicking consonants.
Don't be scared of the cat. If you are scared, the so will the cat.

[edit] Warnings

Cats have sharp claws. Sometimes they nibble or paw your hand and forearm playfully. Stay calm and firmly say "no." Your cat will probably stop and stare. Take this opportunity to remove your hand and pet her elsewhere so that you can continue the bonding process.
Some cats take petting on the stomach as a clear invitation to playfully gnaw and scratch your hand.
Do not try to pet your cat while it is eating or using the litter pan, as it may become territorial and scratch you.
Don't pet a cat that is not feeling well.
About stomach petting: tom-cats are very protective of this area, as it is closely related to breeding. If you plan on petting a cat on the stomach, even if it seems to be asking for it, a better bet may be to scratch the chin.
Like dogs, males may really enjoy belly massages, but females take it as uncomfortable tickling harassment.
Some cats can get over-stimulated and even bite without warning if you pet them too much. It is often safer to only pet the head, neck and under the chin if you are unsure.
It's possible your high-strung cat could have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome if it gets overly agitated by petting. If this is the case, petting and brushing cause pain instead of pleasure. There are various ways to help your cat including (but not limited to) clicker-training, more play time and activity, and medication.
Don't quickly move any of your body parts within the sense of your cat. He or she might think that whatever is moving is a toy and start attacking it.