I’m no liberal & I’ve had cats all my life. My boy is none of the way you described cars, either. He’s an affectionate & loyal sidekick who takes care of himself & dosen’t depend on others to meet his needs (litter box)
Cats not cars. Fat finger
I’m speaking in generalities. I’ve known a cat or two that was okay. Dog-like, in fact.
We have 4 kitties. Three of them are like velcro and have been since day 1. The other has always been fairly skittish and nervous, easily spooked by even a move or a cough. We never figured out why...his brother is fearless and outgoing, and the most intelligent cat we’ve ever owned.
Even the shy one has warmed up and figured out he LOVES attention, and will freely (if shyly) offer affection to “his humans”. All four of them have doglike behaviours like begging for attention, albeit in feline ways, rolling over and wiggling for tummy rubs, being close and into everything you’re in, even playing fetch.
About the only things in common with the stereotypical understanding of cats are the ones mandated by biology...