For sure, Teia is returning all the love and comfort she's been given. xo
When my husband's mom died, our cat Basmati, though only about 5 months old, stayed with him sympathetically throughout all the sadness, sitting in his lap and hanging with him when he read the paper. It was so pronounced that we kept the little guy even though we had intended to give him to a friend. He has been a significant buddy to my husband ever since. I'm sure they can sense our emotions and our lowered energy.
I agree with what Opus said. Miss Teia does understand that you are sad about losing Chessie, and she wants to be by your side to comfort you in the one way she knows how--to just be by your side.
Miss T is feeling your sadness and yes trying to give comfort in her own special way....