While *some* cats are like what you said, both my adult cats absolutely love being petted. My four year old will run to a sofa and lie down on it when he sees you sometimes, and you can literally see the expectation of belly rubs and hugs and massages in his eyes. He's so cute.
My one and a half year old nowadays literally won't stop bothering me as soon as I wake up, she will scratch on the door to be let in. She will headbutt your hand for pets. She will climb onto your chest and sometimes lick your chin. She will finally get under the blanket between my legs, curl up and sleep.
I find that many adult cats are aggressive only because
a) They are not neutered/spayed.
b) They were neutered/spayed a little late.
Neutered cats are far less aggressive and retain their childhood playfulness into their adulthood.
Also it could be the owner's fault in raising the cat because if the cat mistrusts them, it sure isn't going to be very friendly with them. Literally stop whatever you're doing and leave the cat alone if they start to aggressively beat their tail or hiss.
do I sound like a sourpuss?
well, I don't. whatever they do is perfectly fine.
because if it's for my cats, I'm an ultimate M!
╮(￣▽￣)╭
so you see here, Mao chan.
in all these chapters, I heedfully agreed with you in whatever you do and whatever you say. but I can't help but disagree this time. I question your deep wisdom.
you say that "despite normally being completely indifferent, they (cats) turn very lovable as soon as someone gives them treats"
if that is true, why is it that all the cats that we have (especially the big ones) are all snubbish. we give them what they want and provide good treats too! but they not only refuse to have their soft bellies sniffed, but they also refuse to be cuddled! (づ￣ ³￣)づ
and when you get too complacent and managed to get a good sniff on their belly, come hell or high water, they will make sure that you will experience what pain is once they caught you! (●￣(ｴ)￣●)