I'm with you guys.

I'm an old jock who played hockey, football, etc and hunts, fishes, golfs and am a straight guy.

I rent from a cat and find it to be an excellent relationship.
If I want to take off for a few days, I can leave enough food & water for him and, he'll be just fine.
If you do this with a dog, it shits & pukes all over.

I don't have any problem with a cat being independent.
After all, I'm aggressive, assertive and independent.

We get along fine.
And, my friendettes love him.lol