it is troubling and it will make you doubt getting another.
but do, you wont regret it.
ours are aloof, ignorant and downright rude. but then occasionally they decide they want a fuss and its a lot better than when a dog wants a fuss. I know the cats are not pack animals seeking my approval.
My daughter is now nearly 9 months old and the cats have always stayed out the way... but now she is getting to the age she really enjoys stroking (grabbing handfuls of fur) its quite fun. they obviously enjoy the attention, whilst keeping a respectful distance when needed. but she really just lights up every time they walk in the room, and now they dare to get close its even better
Syd & Nancy (AKA big one and fluffy bottom) are part of the family that could not be replaced.
...
The best cat I have ever had was one called magpie I got near my 13th birthday on friday the 13th. Her name got shortened to Maggie (also my mothers name, oddly). She killed or scared off at least 4 other cats we had at the time till she was the only one remaining. She was obviously mistreated when we got her and even a bit violent, but you always felt sorry for her. She had a bandit mask marking. We nicknamed her Satan.
We let her have kittens, only 3 and they were all a bit ugly. we let all our female cats have kittens and usually kept at least one - but gave all of Satan's away (in fairness we were already up to 5 cats at this point). She mellowed a bit from having kittens, but not much
She used to sit on top of the fridge (not uncommon for cats, its warm down the back) but would swipe at anyone who ever opened it up - especially at my dad returning from a night shift
about 5 years ago my dad starting looking after adults with learning difficulties. Satan really took to one of them, in fact i think she held him hostage. he dare not move once she was sitting on his lap. both seemed to be happy with the situation.
she did pass away last year, and whilst i have one or two scars from that cat she really was a proper character and I shed a tear when she passed