I find your post interesting.
I have a friend and her mother who live together have different views.
My friend LOVES her cats and her mom LOVES dogs.
They have BOTH types critters in their home, and they love them dearly, but each PREFERS a different type of critter.
I like BOTH dogs and cats.
I find dogs are more "needy" than cats but when I go out of state I HAVE to take the dog or put them in a kennel, and the cat is quite comfortable staying at home for up to 2 weeks when I am gone. I just put out 2 litter boxes and a full bag of cat food and of course water.
Even with the cat being fine, I do not think, at my age, I would want another cat just because of the cat litter box.
I have had this cat for almost 14 years and, Lord willing, he will be with me for many years to come.
I am still able to train dogs {obedience/rally/agility/therapy/and hopefully soon, Barn Hunt}, so I guess it I will just stick to dogs now.
I still love HORSES.....but now mostly "from afar".
GOD BLESS the kitty and GOD BLESS the dog and GOD BLESS the horse.