I think Crispin wants to be petted, but he also deeply resents himself for wanting to be petted. Either that or the thought of me touching him is deeply revolting to him because he sees me as only worthy to clean his excretions from the litter box and serve him food and drink.
fearthereaper:
Sounds like you have a typical cat. Last night I petted one of mine and it looked at me like I was filth, then darted off into the dark.
_margot_:
You have a cat. That is all. Like FTR said, it is what they do.