I'm very much a dog person, but dogs either insta-love me or are insta-terrified of me. Not sure why.
Cats, though? I've never met a cat that didn't like me. And while a cat is fine too, I've always found it a bit odd since I'm not exactly the biggest cat fan out there. They are cute little bastards, though.
Part of why cats like you is probably because you don't like them and seek them out. Most cats are wary of people directly trying to approach them without invitation or greeting. In general cats will find the person ignoring them the least threatening and most approachable.
It never fails that cats tend to flock toward the person that is allergic to them, because that person is typically entirely disinterested in them lol. Not being interested in the cats is likely why you make friends with them so quickly!
Feigning disinterest wouldn't work on my cat. He demands attention, and will take it personally if you ignore him. If you're new and don't give him attention, he will not stop staring at you, and you will randomly get a swat on the head if you continue.
That's likely possible. Either way, I can't bear to turn the other way when little critters are starving out in the snow and need help. Now at least I know they're all safe and happy, and not making more kittens under my neighbor's porch.