Heck - I wasn't a cat lover until we got Kate! I mean - I liked Toby OK. I wouldn't have wanted anything to happen to him or anything. But I didn't think I could ever share a close bond with a cat. Then Kate came along a few short weeks ago and the rest is history!
Your mom needs a kitty Richard - but not just ANY kitty! Since she's new to the cat scene she should have a kitty whom she knows for certain she'll bond with! ;)