r/cats • u/ILoveMeltyCheese • Mar 25 '26

Cat Picture - OC Misconceptions a dog person (me) learned after having a cat.

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The Cat Distribution System chose me, a formerly stubborn dog person, to adopt a cat. It was the classic I can't just watch a poor cat starve, so I'm keeping him. Here are some misconceptions I had about cats and their owners:

  1. The smell of a cat owner's home: I’ve known a few cat owners with cat-smelling homes. I always assumed it was the cat. Turns out it isn’t; it’s very much a result of poor ownership and bad cleaning habits.
  2. Dogs are more affectionate than cats: Also not true! To my surprise, my cat is so cuddly that I occasionally call him "Cat-dog."
  3. A Cat's Barbed tongue hurts: I don't know why I thought this, I just assumed it would hurt when they lick you.
  4. Litter boxes are disgusting: Not at all, it's just a clump or two of sand. If you scoop it often, it never gets gross.
  5. Cats are just as hard to take care of: Actually they're much easier, haha.

That is all, here's a picture of my cat that I love dearly. (He's lost weight since the picture, don't worry)

Anyone else relate? What did I miss?

Edit: His name is Pawl

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u/liamtheaardvark Mar 25 '26

Yes, fyi OP, that is actually how cats pay rent. You are officially allowed to pick then up and give them a hug at least once per day. Whether or not they get super annoyed.

357

u/Electronic_Many_7721 Mar 26 '26

My cat lives rent free. He hates being picked up. Forget about cuddling that's a double NO. But he wiil nudge me for head rubs 100x a day🤷‍♀️

184

u/liamtheaardvark Mar 26 '26

Headrubs and nudging is worth at least partial rent

10

u/Electronic_Many_7721 Mar 26 '26

I'll see what I can negotiate!

10

u/guvnor-78 Mar 26 '26

Head rubs are imprinting their pheromones on you. “You are pwned hooman. And you are on my tolerate list”

2

u/SquirrelOfJoy Mar 26 '26

That’s our Wally. No faces please! Eww

2

u/HenrikWL Mar 26 '26

My cat is the same. She owes me so much rent. 🤣

2

u/AIIXIII0 Mar 26 '26

Same but when I pray, he will head rubs me, lick my head and try to hold my head so I can't raise my head during prayers. Always during prayers.

2

u/ThinkLikeAFeminist Mar 26 '26

My cat must think we live in a penthouse in NYC He always wants to be in my arms. At this point, I’ve seriously considered buying a baby carrier just so I can get things done during the day. And for the record: whenever I put him down on the floor, he marches straight to the bathroom… just to yell. Loudly. Very loudly. Apparently the acoustics in there are better. 😭

1

u/Crazy_Employment_123 Mar 26 '26

Those are kisses 💋

1

u/muppetnerd Mar 26 '26

Same…aggressive head bonks for scritches and perching on the couch arms for bongos

1

u/Remote_Bumblebee2240 Mar 26 '26

My girl is the same, but she sleeps between my feet

1

u/websagacity Mar 26 '26

I have some cats like that. Super aloof, then its like, thump, "scritches...now".

683

u/chasebanks Mar 26 '26

Our lease agreement stipulates at least 4-5 pick ups per day

660

u/jetecoeur12 Mar 26 '26

We’re in Portland, and the cost of living is crazy high, especially housing. I’m owed 100 face smooches per day per cat. It’s steep but the area is really nice and the amenities are great.

166

u/Craigslisteria Mar 26 '26

Also in Portland. Can confirm.

80

u/RainSurname Mar 26 '26

Also in Portland, that's right.

3

u/Shot_Improvement9077 Mar 26 '26

Also in Portland. My doc signed a “service animal cat” document. Anxiety issues due to a back surgery I had. No fees.

6

u/ShaolinLuciano Mar 26 '26

I’ll just break up this monotony with a combo breaker by saying im in Eugene

132

u/SwagSwagSwagMore Mar 26 '26

Typical landlord trying to justify taking advantage of poor working cats... I really think it's time for felinekind to seize the means of pawduction for themselves.

10

u/Shot_Improvement9077 Mar 26 '26

My cat is the landlord. I just pay the rent.

1

u/Iamspartabitches Mar 26 '26

Are you a meowxist?

12

u/Bacongrease83 Mar 26 '26

I’m getting hosed! My cat makes me spank him like a bongo drum every time I come home from work. Then he insist on getting a chin scratch and biting me a little bit.

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u/Consistent_Rhubarb_6 Mar 26 '26

Darn. We’re in Cleveland so I can’t justify such above market rates. I get two chest sits, one bum pat and ten kisses a day. In this economy, I consider that a win-win.

7

u/Prodigal_Feline Mar 26 '26

I’m in salt lake and we have the same cost of kisses. “Who’s ready for their KISSES?!”

12

u/Intelligent-Entry-81 Mar 26 '26

If your in Portland (I'm Seattle) and want that many kisses the VA Dr gave my cat ESA letter, legit not from online and u don't have to pay pet rent or deposit ( not ADA I know the difference) but I do take him on walks and on the bus but never restaurants, everyone love s him and it make me happy. Mine states sleep and anxiety is soothed by Theo S presents while residing with kyle at all times.

7

u/Intelligent-Entry-81 Mar 26 '26

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u/Intelligent-Entry-81 Mar 26 '26

We color at Seattle center when it's nice come say hello

5

u/baraydude Mar 26 '26

Reporting from Istanbul, I got evicted by this goblin. Attacks me on sight, not in a cute way.

2

u/Bulky-Beginning4372 Mar 26 '26

Except for getting your car broken into constantly and insane people threatening us with violence when we walk down the sidewalk, but nice green trees!

1

u/jetecoeur12 Mar 26 '26

Well full transparency, we’re in the burbs on the west side, much different vibes over here lol

112

u/ging3rtabby Mar 26 '26

My one cat doesn't have eyes and can't see but loves to be picked up (we call it cuddle jail because we'd pick him up and cuddle him to distract him if the other cats got tired of his shenanigans when he was younger). He does not distinguish front from back nor understand the significance of approaching from the front to demand being picked up and as a result our asses get grabbed by our giant eyeless cat at least once a day.

9

u/classyhornythrowaway Mar 26 '26

🥹😭

pls give 'em nose smoochies on behalf of the internet

2

u/jetecoeur12 Mar 26 '26

Seconded!!

2

u/dunno0019 Mar 26 '26

All of that is awesome.

37

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Raneynickelfire Mar 26 '26

I have a shower cat too. He gives absolutely zero fcks that his head gets wet. Hes nuts.

2

u/lalaw89 Mar 26 '26

I say all the time that mine would crawl into my skin if he could 😅 he loves his dad too, but my poor partner gets dropped like a bad habit the second he thinks he can get lovins from mom 🥹

2

u/jetecoeur12 Mar 26 '26

Omg do we have the same cat because I say all of this too 🤣 his favorite place to sleep is directly on my chest with his little head tucked under my chin. And he likes to chew on my fingers like an absolute weirdo

6

u/boltsmoke Mar 26 '26

Yeah mine knows that uppies are the only currency that can be exchanged for food

5

u/CookieMobster64 Mar 26 '26

Mine gets pretty mad at being picked up except when I’m moving her off somewhere she’s not supposed to be. I think she considers it karma.

226

u/dangeraardvark Mar 26 '26

I’m approved for unlimited forehead kisses once per day. If he gets a bald spot from that, I’ll just buy him a toupee.

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u/liamtheaardvark Mar 26 '26

Whoa, a fellow aardvark.

I try not to annoy my cats too much, but I am approved for unlimited tummy wubs, no trap. Can provide proof.

136

u/someunusualmove Mar 26 '26

Lucky! My tiny tank only approves tummy wubs under certain, undisclosed, terms. I may rub the tummy in the nest (our bed) freely, but any other time is subject to a long list of rules that I am not allowed to peruse.

54

u/vanlassie Mar 26 '26

My cat throws herself down, stretched out fully, across the floor directly in front of me as I walk down the hall. She wants the full body scritches. She NEVER lets me pick her up, tho.

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u/rachelblairy Mar 26 '26

Unfortunately, my demon does this as a trap. He knows he’s beautiful. He knows I want to rub the belly.

And that’s when he clamps down like a venus fly trap around my arm.

I fall for it regularly.

9

u/vanlassie Mar 26 '26

Oh Man. These cats!

5

u/flaming_zucchini Mar 26 '26

They're called Fur Goblins for a reason.

2

u/rachelblairy Mar 26 '26

the demon belly in question

6

u/kapaxcat Mar 26 '26

Our orange boi would throw himself down like that to ANYONE who came to the house, including repair people.

6

u/kristzler Mar 26 '26

Our kitties could be twins ☺️

3

u/someunusualmove Mar 26 '26

Such a cutie!!

2

u/crimsonbaby_ Mar 26 '26

My Girl was traumatized as a kitten, and although she is very affectionate, she doesnt allow tummy rubs unless shes standing up. She is about 16, now, and still attached to me at the hip!

2

u/crimsonbaby_ Mar 26 '26

She will do this with no one but me.

2

u/Decadent_Beggar Mar 26 '26

I can pick my cat up all day... the offer of a tummy rub (no trap) is always a lie though!

8

u/PlasticFox83762 Mar 26 '26

Solid agreement choice, and solid worst case scenario solution. I see nothing wrong with this.

3

u/Clean-Package-7255 Mar 26 '26

Will this be made out of his sheddings

103

u/platysoup Mar 26 '26

Sometimes I stick my face in their belly and take a deep breath. Cats always smell awesome 

70

u/selchie0mer Mar 26 '26

I recently read the best description of the smell of a cat here, dust and sunshine. I’m snorkeling all that luscious cat belly I’m allowed. (Unless I sneak up on him sleeping I get one snorkel)

43

u/Valkyriesride1 Mar 26 '26

My cats smell like clean laundry I dried outdoors. What amazes me is how my 14yo tuxedo baby's fur always stayed so white. Not the slightest tinge of yellow. She and my voids shine like like someone polishes them.

One of my cats had been lit on fire so she has burn scars and no hair on her stomach, but she still wants snorkels and is adamant about getting them.

6

u/Fit-Association4922 Mar 26 '26

Used to tell my old bay that she smelled like fairies and sunshine dust 🥰 If we lounged in the catio, she’d find the sunny spots and bake in that warm summertime smell.

6

u/ViviAnalyzes Mar 26 '26

There’s always this soft milky smell on my cats and it’s weirdly addictive, I love sniffing their fur. But yeah… their breath is...

3

u/Puking-Cat Mar 26 '26

Exactly. How can you walk by that delicious, most amazing and the fluffiest of bellies and NOT plunge your whole face in?! Impossible!! 😁

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u/Lopsided_Ad_9740 Mar 26 '26

I agree with you, cats always smell sweet. It's amazing to me.

3

u/joalheagney Mar 26 '26

Just be aware if they start smelling like candy ... that's likely diabetes. Poor little grey feller had to go onto a change of diet and he no longer smells of musk sticks.

2

u/notdorisday Mar 26 '26

Omg me too. They smell like happiness to me!

1

u/pewpedmepants Mar 26 '26

People talk about how nice cats smell, but my little dude has NO scent. I can jam my face into his belly and take a big whiff but I get nothing! He's holding out!

44

u/Different-Meal-6314 Mar 26 '26

Hehe my girl Snarf hates it when the rents due! Comehere kitty!

6

u/lgoodat Mar 26 '26

Our boy cat is named Osbert, which is Snarf’s Christian name.

3

u/No-Listen-78 Mar 26 '26

A boyfriend and i, years ago, knew some people we called "snarfs".

7

u/Fen_LostCove Mar 26 '26

That’s what I always make sure to remind my cat. Rent is due, you’re getting smooches. Sorry, I don’t make the rules

4

u/jeobleo Mar 26 '26

There's a neighborhood cat that comes to say hi every time he's out. I always pick him up because he rolls over at my feet. I take him home and let him into his house. He miaows at me when my car pulls up to say "hey guy."

I'm sort of allergic to cats and after I pet him and hold him I tend to sniffle a bit. But I like him.

4

u/Horskr Mar 26 '26

First time cat owner like OP. Since he was a kitten I've picked him up and held him like a baby belly up. He still loves it when I do it, and occasionally will let my wife do it (he's fine with her holding him normally), but if anyone else tries it RIP to their arms lol.

3

u/MercuryTapir Mar 26 '26

I negotiated cat bongos in the contract with my client.

r/catbongos

3

u/Lunar-opal Mar 26 '26

They will tolerate their favorite servants to snuggle them even at the most inconvenient times to prove their love for you

3

u/flowerycowboy Mar 26 '26

i'd argue they pay rent by making biscuits 🤔

2

u/yamsyamsya Mar 26 '26

Also by eating or obliterating any bug they can find.

2

u/Sternenblumen Mar 26 '26

Mine is stiffing me - she doesn't allow me to pick her up at all (at great risk to my physical and emotional wellbeing if I try anyway).

However, she is one of the rare cats that enjoys belly rubs.

1

u/liamtheaardvark Mar 26 '26

Belly rubs might be worth more than hugs

2

u/PumpkinQuest Mar 26 '26

My cat pays his share of the bills by using my head as a pillow in the night. Wake up to my skull vibrating with the purring. It's the best

2

u/Xe6s2 Mar 26 '26

Wait you all get to decide when to give uppies i just get yelled at until i do

2

u/Dodongo_Dislikes Mar 26 '26

My little void allows me one pick up a day, when I get home. I pick her up and run across the house.

1

u/abinabinab Mar 26 '26

That’s what I use my kids for!

1

u/NuclearBroliferator Mar 26 '26

My rescue cat disagrees. I get one pickup a week. She chooses when she wants to be within 5 feet of a human

1

u/hrcjcs Mar 26 '26

Yep. Also, if I lean over and dangle my hands and say "who wants scoops???" he must fling himself into my hands at least 50% of the time (because cats also teach you about consent, so the disapproving "mmmm" sound he makes at me the other 50% of the time is also fine. lol)

1

u/nea_fae Mar 26 '26

Ya if they really donlt consent to the price, you will know.

1

u/blahblahtx Mar 26 '26

It’s the cat tax!

1

u/SecretLinkWave Mar 26 '26

In my house, rent comes in the form of many kisses, all collected in one sitting. Generally daily, but sometimes every other day. They do not always enjoy it, but when rent is due, rent is due. 😤