Dogs are idealists and cats are opportunists. Dogs assess their self worth by how much affection you give them and getting to do things with you. They love you unconditionally.

Cats assess your worth by how much attention they are required to give you to minimize how much work they have to do to get what they want. Cats love being in control and use their love as currency.

In the end, people do, indeed, beg cats for their attention leaving them elated when they get it and frustrated when they don’t. That’s when they kick the dog.