Do you think it is rare for a cat to be as faithful and loyal as a dog?

I have a cat who has been with me since she was born (she was 1 wk. old when I first saw her). We had a special bond from the start. I admit she was a bit of a spoiled baby. I think some special cirstances in my life may have caused our bonding to be even deeper and stronger, but though I had other cats at the same time, never had this same kind of dependence and connection with them. She has always been very loving and protective of me, and won't leave my side if she senses I am upset or under attack. One time when she was only about 6 mos. old, I was in a threatening situation and she stayed right there with me. Even though someone was yelling at me and acting menacing, and I was distraught and visibly upset, she stayed with me instead of running. She has helped me through some tough times, including a bad marriage, and the illnesses and deaths of my mother and a sibling. She follows me around and wants to be near me just the way my Sheltie did. She sleeps on my bed every night, and if the door is shut, she "knocks" on the door with her paw. Not that my other cats weren't, or aren't special or loved, but she definitely is unique in the way she shows her love and caring for me, and helps keep me going when the going is tough.