Also notice that catra says, “this is not because I like you” instead “this doesn’t mean I like you” so she’s not really denying that she likes adora- (this fandom never dies I’m not late)
What better way to help an emotionally repressed character than to give her a cat familiar that literally reflects her feelings. Catra: "not because I like you." Melog: *immediately begins to cuddle up to Adora*
Would of been nice if we had some episodes with them together instead of chickening out and just doing it at the very end, or half way through a season like owl house did
Adora: "What's her name?" Catra: "Huh?" A: "The blond girl in your dreams. The one who keeps barging in your room." C: "Adora-" A: "What's she like? Is she a magicat like you... Or is she... Is she prettier than me?" C: "You can't be serious!"
"This is NOT because I like you" is not a denial of Catra's love, it's just an acknowledgment that she has OTHER reasons to give Adora what she wants. Basically, yes, Catra really has always loved Adora, like she said in the finale.