What do cats mean when they sit themselves down at a safe distance from you and meow their little heads off at you? And then follow you around for a bit, still at a safe distance, and still meowing

Kitteh was a young clean fella without a necklace, but looking well fed and having a thick healthy fur 

 @f6300c6e 

I think it's the cat equivalent of a shake down.  They just want to know if you have anything interesting on offer.  Food, petting, toys or entertainment.