A few memories about my father that surface when I'm being weird about my cats, like accidentally training them to expect instant towel drying when they come in wet.
If it was raining, Dad would pick up Quarter, tuck her under his flannel, carry her to the garage, then set her gently down on the warm cushy chair by the woodstove because he didn't want her precious little paws getting cold and wet.
When Jack was too old and arthritic to properly enjoy their daily walkabout anymore, Dad carried him and set him down every few yards to look at stuff and sniff things. I swear it looked like Oscar the Grouch and that guy who carried the trash can around.
When Pigeon's asthma flared up, Dad went without his oxygen to strap his mask on his cat for a few minutes, and cover her with a tea towel to keep her warm.
THAT'S LOVE. And if you're not prepared to love a cat like that, why bother? Mine are so spoiled, they're growing mold.