The Apathetic Mage Loves Cats

Alan had lived a life full of no love, which caused him to grow up not expecting anything from anyone and not feeling anything for anyone. It seemed like he would continue to live out his days without feeling any emotion... but then he died. However, it wasn't the end for him. The next thing Alan knew, he was opening his eyes, looking up at his ordinary poor mother in a run-down shack, in a world that he knew nothing about. How does Alan learn to survive in a world surrounded by magic, mages, and royalty? Also, what about his love for cats?