Because your cat loves you, and your attention.
Oh, how my brother's cat enjoyed the company of me and our little cousin! She was shy at first, for several hours even. Took a day nap, and eventually came downstairs and looked at us.
I approached her a little, but saw her shy away and stopped - knelt on the ground and put out my hand, back-first.
Didn't work, of course.
It did work the fourth time. She approached, sniffed my hand a bit, and rubbed her chin against it. Obviously I started petting her then. And she approached our cousin without any hesitation, knowing that the situation was good.
There's a thing about cats, a weak spot. They love to be scritched along their chin, the same area they rub against people and objects. It's something you don't want to abuse. And it's something you shouldn't rush into! Start with casual back strokes, the cat will probably wander around as if they don't care. But they'll "wander" back to you, and you can keep stroking their back fur down their spine. But if you leave your hand hanging, they'll probably rub their face against it. That's when you start scritching. Rubbing the side of their face - *gently*, mind. You don't need to touch their skin! Just a casual scritching motion, and suddenly you're their favorite person. Keep your hand steady and they'll keep rubbing against your fingers. Gentle.... Then switch to stroking the rest of them again.
When they turn a cheek towards you, they want some cheek scritches. Do so, at least a little. Maybe spoil them. But then go back to caressing their fur.
I've not mentioned what sounds you should be making, partially because
they might be a little embarrassing. Be not afraid. You are a good human, they are a good cat. Just be conscious of their movements and try to oblige - sometimes they'll want you to move to their neck.
Resist the urge to snoot-boop. That is a privilege accorded only to their most trusted human(s).
But if you caaaan snoot-boop... Be watchful for sand accumulating besides their eyes, and gently scrape that away.
Also clip those claws - particularly if they're clawing the ground or whatnot. My cat enjoyed it - just be careful not to go too deep. Too deep and there are live nerves. But the clear cartilage is fine - and you really just want a dull end. Uncut claws are so annoying and uncomfortable for them.