Growing up, I was not allowed to touch any animal for the fear my mom had of me miscarrying a child when I get older. She believed, there were germs that animals carried - yes, I read that theory too sometime ago, as everything in conventional medicine is based on fear...
We developed a loving relationship with my son's cat now - and it's simple - I pay attention to what he wants. He surely asserts himself as not a cuddly furry cutest kitty with beautiful wild eyes - he lets me know when he needs to be hugged to go to sleep. Otherwise, I'm there to provide fresh high quality raw ground chicken, take him for walks and chase after him. If I cross a line, he simply leaves.