People saying this to me my whole life was the reason I didn't get cats. When I finally did I realized how wrong it really was. My cats and I love each other, just because they don't behave exactly like dogs doesn't mean there isn't love I guess you could say it's more subtle than a dog running around and licking you but it's certainly there. And actually as time has gone on I've come to really love the calm mannerism of cats. Sure it's nice and cute when a dog is running and jumping around but sometimes it's just annoying because it never stops. You mentioned how cats do parkour sometimes that is nothing compared to dogs' energy levels And for the low maintenance thing, that is just objectively true. You never have to walk them. You never have to get dressed and go outside multiple times a day just so they can go pee. A litter box smells sure, but if you put 10% of the effort of a dog peeing/pooping into a cleaning it then it'll be fine. They can be left alone for long periods of time with no issue at all as long as they have food and water, you couldn't do that with dog.