When I switched my cat from dry to wet, she begged for food like crazy. Unsure if it's hunger or blood sugar or what, but I started splitting the food into 3 or 4 small batches a day.
The dry stuff keeps them full longer, I think. But my vet said wet is better, so wet it is.
My cat has started sitting on the arm of my chair or couch and putting her paw on my thigh or arm.
She gets enough petting, FOR SURE. Also doing enough playing and hunting. She is not ignored.
She sleeps on my chest or between my knees.
She's always been very "pet me now, and now leave me...