We have had cats for 25-ish years since our DC were toddlers/infants, and have had 4 over those years. We have loved having them, and they have brought much love and joy to our life. We always popped them into a cat hotel when we went on holiday. And they weren't such a tie because you can leave them with some food and the cat flap - and be out all day. Even stop overnight occasionally.
However, we have one cat left - aged 17 - and whilst we do love her and care for her and make a fuss over her, we will never have another cat. Because even though they're less of a tie than dogs, they are still a tie. She is so timid and clingy now that she is elderly - that we can't put her in a cat hotel now. (Been like this 2 years.) She would be so shocked and traumatised by it.
She is 80% to 90% deaf too - so she would so so frightened and disorientated. Me and DH want to go away on a cruise for our 35th wedding anniversary next year, as we missed doing anything for our 30th because of covid. But we can't go because of the cat. (Unless we let someone in our house - a cat sitter.) And DH is (at the moment) refusing to let that happen.
I don't know whether it's an old age thing (well, older...) but I am never having any more cats. I CBA. DH agrees ... My 2 DC seems shocked by this, and the oldest one seems borderline offended LOL. 'Like why would you not want to give a cat a home mum?' she says... 'Errr, because we have given 4 cats homes over the last quarter century. We've done our bit ta'.
Also, as much as we love our cat, she has days when she is frustrating. She can be whiny and moany, and she mithers me and DH to death! And she often begs for food, and then leaves it. Then she whines for food again, then leaves that! And so on... Til we have 6 different types of food out! And she is getting health issues and costing £££££ in vet fees! She also scratches furniture and pulls at the carpets! (She has a scratching post but rarely uses it.)
She is never lonely as we are in a lot (as I work from home.) But she rarely goes out and gets bored easily so she plays up. As I said, this has only been for past 2 years.
I am much more impatient and intolerant these days - at 60-ish, and lose patience with her easily. It's not fair on any (new) cat to have me as an owner, because I seriously CBA anymore. And whilst I love my cat, and care for her, and fuss her, and play with her, I'm not gonna lie... I can't wait to be free of pets! I have enjoyed having cats for many years - but for the past 2 years not so much. She is lovely company when she is chilled, but about a third of the time she is like a naughty, boisterous, attention-seeking toddler. 😬
Upshot! I do not regret my cats - any of them! But I will have no more!