I have had a cat for about 8 years. He was feral, and has gradually learned to trust us over the years, but has remained very standoffish. We love him but interaction with him is very limited due to his background. I had never really thought anything of it, just assumed that it how cats are.
At the start of this year we got a kitten. Within a couple of weeks the difference was staggering. She craves human contact. As soon as we are awake in the morning, she is in the bed, under the covers, cuddling up with us. The moment you sit down anywhere in the house, she is there, wanting to sit on you. She talks constantly, and has a variety of different sounds, so you can almost have a conversation with her. She is currently playing with DS, stalking him, while he chucks himself around on the floor. They are both having a great time. I can see now why people end up with houses filled with cats!