I like cats too. I think there is something kind of odd about how fun it is to torment them, to ruffle their fur and do something beneath their dignity. Yet, the cats don’t seem to really mind. They just strut away as cool and aloof as ever.
I miss having cats around. Not just cause there were far less small rodents and those really aggravating starlings/ grackles/ whatever they are called in your rural location. But, cats were fun. Nice to have around as a self contained companion. Cats don’t need looking after but they don’t mind hanging out with you and just listening to your idiotic rambling.