Wow that first photo almost looks like…dead. Night and day difference!!
I agree with your premise that also naturalist types are likely more self aware of what nature (including pets) need and what they are able to provide and select accordingly (for many, that is cat). I am a professional dog trainer ‘by day’ and there are many people who come through our doors that really needed a cat…or just even a stuffed animal inanimate toy.
(And yes, the books are just funny; the cat I have acts ‘like a dog’ - and knows over 20 tricks, and the dog I have is a working Australian Shepherd and my SAR partner so she is a LOT of dog!)