Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Remote: Yes
Willing to relocate: Yes, but not immediately
Technologies: Clojure, Python, C++, AWS, GraphDBs, BPTrace, Haystack (& so many more)
CV: https://ractiveware.com/cv_mqw.pdf
Email: see CV
I'd like to add that some cats have a much greater need for companionship and corresponding tendency toward demonstrating their 'love' when you've proved to their satisfaction that you care about them, whether or not they allow you to pet them (don't skip to picking them up).
If you want a cat that acts more like a dog, first gain a whole lot of practice getting strange cats to like you[1], then adopt a young stray (~1yr max I think, though all cats are individuals), or (easier, but with a lower ceiling of 'bondedness') an older cat that seems friendly. It won't be quick or easy, but (in my experience) you'll get a very puppy-like relationship... without the barking and picking up **.
I love dogs, and dogs love me[2], but they are the most malleable of mammal species in human history, and the most adapted to our need for companionship, as notepad0x90 touches on.
In short, to me, cats (and dogs) _are_ people[3], and they can tell that I feel that way.
1. If you didn't have many opportunities to try and fail among friends and family, or with stray cats in your neighborhood, try working at a no-kill shelter (if you can find one), or a cat café (the rare ethical one like Cat Town in Oakland, or any other) - many different paths, all opportunities to learn how to socialize with cats.
2. I was once walking down the street, when a gorgeous woman came up behind me, led by her large mutt, who was very interested in me. She said something like "Wow, he's not usually interested in people; you must be very _aware_!" I promptly ran into a telephone pole.
3. Let's not get into diet, because I'm a hypocrite.