It's all about pack instinct. Cats are solitary animals for the most part, and they simply "tolerate" us humans. Affection is given and received on their terms and if you try and force the issue you'll usually end up with a hand full of teeth or claws, lol

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi