I'm sorry Caran, you clearly do know cats.
Over my 63 years I have had several cats. Barney will always be number one though. I loved that cat to bits. The tales I could tell about him. No cats at this time, I couldn't give them the attention they deserve.
I agree ummmm, they certainly do feel love, my cat follows me all over the house and is only happy when he is where I am. Good luck with your new kitten. Caran I know how you feel, I would think twice about having another cat if anything happens to this one as I will be totally heartbroken.
When my hubby went in hospital before he died, Shelley sat on windowsill looking for Daddy coming home from work. She sat there for weeks before she gave up. She would sit in front of me miaowing as much as to say "where is he"
^^ Caran, mine was quite different - when Mr O was ill and we had a hospital bed etc. in the lounge, my cat just wouldn't to go into the room at all. Like your Shelley though, he kept me sane during that time .. and afterwards.