Are Cats Really Solitary Animals?

Some experts state emphatically that cats are independent, aloof, and only come around humans to satisfy their physical needs. If there is any empirical data to substantiate that belief, I am unaware of any studies in this area. It is my feeling that cats are simply more selective in their choice of human companions than are dogs. Consider this true story:

A veterinary clinic "greet cat" hears a woman crying at the reception desk, because she has just had a longtime companion cat euthanized. The cat jumps up on the desk next to the woman, pats her face with its paws, and then "kisses" away the woman's tears. Does the cat perform these acts merely to taste the salt of the tears? I think not.

While I have my own thoughts and opinions about this claim, I'm more interested in seeing what my readers believe. You may post your opinions and experiences in the provided form below the linked article.
_{Photo Credit: © iStock/Ekaterina Monakhova}