Cats are not a monolith. They have a wide range of personalities and emotions. I have a cat that is very emotionally needy, not very unlike many dogs. He needs attention and pets and lap time.

As a cat person I agree. That's why I have cats, they're simply simpler. I let them outside when they want to go out, then they may come back a few minutes later or a few days later (adopted a former stray cat and she still loves longer walks when the weather is nice). I feed them and clean their litter box.

When I'm not at home for a weekend and it's not winter I put a lot of food there and they're fine (usually outside since they prefer that). When I'm away for longer, or in the winter, I ask one of my neighbours to look after them every other day. When they are gone and I'm at home I do that for them too of course.

In return I get to see how happy they are and get to cuddle them. In the evening they come in my bed, loudly purring of course. When it's cold in the winter they jump on my lap.

Comparatively low effort for a high reward :)