The people saying that cats are violent assholes who never give affection need to actually get to know some cats. AND stop treating cats and dogs the same. Be gentler with cats than dogs. You can't rough house a cat and expect it to be ok with that. That's where some of the problems come from.

I have two cats and I'm pet sitting my brother's cat for a few months. All three jockey for position for my lap, rub up on me, and prefer to nap with me in eyesight. Two of them follow me to bed at night and all three come to find me when they hear my morning alarm. My two know what time I get home from work and greet me at the door. If I'm early or late they're in different spots because I missed the usual time.

All three are very loving and affectionate. Cats don't get agressive unless you make them feel threatened or uneasy. That dude was freaking out. Also they don't properly take care of their cat seeing how it's nails were sharp enough to do that damage. Trim their nails regularly and that won't be possible. Dogs don't need as much attention to their nails. Again, you can't treat a cat the same as a dog and expect good results.