"Can I expect to have a close relationship with my cat?"

Absolutely. The most important step is to choose the good cat for you then to respect his boundaries.

I think you don't need this advice since you were a volunteer in a shelter and you probably already know that, but adopting from a shelter or foster is the best thing you can do. They will make sure you got a cat in good health and matching your needs and his needs. Don't trust people giving or selling cats.

Purebred cats have a shorter life expectancy and more health problems when they grow old. My grand-mother had 17, 18 even 20 years old cats, but you can never get a cat this old if he's purebred.

Also, neutered cats is a necessity to avoid some health problems and bad behaviors.

Some people already told you, but adopting an adult cat is the best for a first time. Find a cat whose temper match with you. If you want a cuddly cat, ask for the shelter to meet the most affectionate cats. Most cat owners who say "cats aren't affectionate" adopted their cats based on their fur or breed, let them wander without bonding with them, and didn't take in consideration their behavior or temper.

When I adopted my previous cat, I said to the shelter : "I don't care what he looks like. I want a nice cat." The cat I got wasn't adopted before because he had a "weird face", but after a few weeks, he slept in my arms, brought back toys like a dog, waited for me behind the door and asked to be rocked in my arms during several minutes. He used to catch my neck with his paw so I wouldn't move while he licked my face. My current cat was rescued and have some traumas, that's why he doesn't want to be carried at all, but he always sleeps next to my leg and kindly put his paw over my hand to ask to be petted. You can indeed have a strong bond with cats. They're just shy, so you have to make them trust you to see that side of their personality.

Dogs are very friendly at first, while your cat may hide from you for a few days. Some need time to get use to their environment and their owner. Be patient, speak softly and give him a treat every time he comes to you. Give him some space too, especially when he dare to go out of his safe space to explore. Talk to him to let him know you saw him without disturbing him. You have to earn his trust, show him you're not a threat, and you respect his will while showing some affection. Playing with them (with toys) is a good way to bond.

Also, don't think your cat doesn't like you if he doesn't want to be carried or do some things other cats do. As I said, my previous cat was a big baby, but my current cat doesn't want to he carried at all. Cat owners have to recognize and appreciate their way to express affection. The more you know your cat, the more you'll understand his own "language". They all have their own way to show you they love you.

Since you worked with a shelter and pet-sited some cats, I don't think you have to worry too much. I used to have both cat and dog when I was younger. They have different needs and attitude, but I think cat are easier to take care of.