To emphasize your second point: I have learned that cats are much more “obedient” - but really, much less inclined to suddenly just not give a damn - as kittens

To emphasize your second point: I have learned that cats are much more “obedient” - but really, much less inclined to suddenly just not give a damn - as kittens than when they get older. I had an extremely bright kitten that learned his name in a week, would come running no matter where he was in the (fairly large) house when I called his name, even if he was asleep, etc and would perfectly play fetch, up to and including bringing the toy all the way back to my hand/lap. He didn’t forget his name or how to play a year later. He just realized he doesn’t have to get up from his comfortable spot just because I felt like calling his name. Likewise he figured if he just makes a half-ditch effort to bring a fetch toy back, perhaps picking it up a few paces only, I’ll still pick it back up and play fetch with him again. They’re creatures that (who) have mastered the art of doing the bare minimum to get by.