While I believe that cats are not that far behind humans in abstract thinking abilities, but what matters is that cats to not have any reasons to think about that kind of questions as they lack the certain functions of the brain entirely.
Animals do not have fantasies and they just do not even think about "what if" scenarios they do not create virtual worlds like humans.

Everything else seems to be same as human beings

So when a cat sees you do something useful he just thinks how to do same, but then they notice that they have not big enough as humans or that they do not have fingers to do that job and then they stop thinking about that.

what is interesting that cats often ask for help some events I know are that cat came asking to remove fishbone stuck in his throat and other time cat brought her dead kittens probably asking to revive them or something.
so they definitely see humans as very capable companions but they do not trust anyone that much and will not rely on you unless there is no other choice.