Honestly I think the experience of having a cat is much different than having a dog, and much better for certain personality types (like mine). Way less needy, feels more like a chill roommate than an annoying kid. Scooping cat litter is also much less of an issue than it sounds.
That being said, your feelings are 100% valid. Not everyone should have a pet, and nothing wrong with not wanting one.
I don't see how it makes a difference in the cold. It's already body temperature, so there would be a thermal equilibrium. Heat loss is a function of the body's surface area, which is unaffected.