There is a common misconception that cats are independent, but that isn't necessarily true. Much like humans, personalities vary between cats. One may be social, while another may be skittish. Either way, cats are not completely independent pets. They can be in some areas, but they still require care.
Proper care is important for a cat's mental and physical well-being. There are the basics; food, water, and litterbox. These are essential needs, but there is more to taking care of a cat than ensuring basic survival. For example, playing. Playing helps ward off boredom, relieve stress, and keeps a cat healthy and happy. While cats can play by themselves, playing with them will strengthen the bond between cat and human. Another bonding activity is brushing. Cats groom themselves often, but brushing is still significant. It helps manage shedding, prevent matting, and reduce hairballs.
An important part of taking care of a cat is clipping their claws, mainly the front ones. If their claws get too long, they can get stuck on items like clothes or scratching posts. This can be dangerous and stressful for a cat, so it's best to clip them regularly. In order to safely clip a cat's claws, it is imperative to know where not to clip. Luckily, there is a visible indication for that. The quick is a pink colored vein/nerve located inside the claw. It can be seen from the outside, so take care to avoid it and only clip the sharp white tip of the claw. If cut, the quick will bleed and cause the cat pain.
It is not uncommon for a pet cat to have been declawed. Declawing is an inhumane and unnecessary amputation that removes the claw and prevents regrowth. It is painful and can cause behavior issues. However, many aren't aware of this fact, as the practice is somewhat normalized. Though there has been an effort to spread awareness of the cruelty, it is still an ongoing issue. Do not feel terrible if you have a cat that has been declawed: it is not your fault something so terrible is normalized. Just learn from the experience, share this knowledge, and do not have the unnecessary surgery done again in the future.