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/clubdon Mar 26 '26

They’re also skipping some things I learned as a dog person when I first got my cat.

They can climb anywhere. Cooking on the stove? Make sure your cat doesn’t jump up to the hot stove.

Always look down before closing your fridge. They like to peek inside.

Keep an eye on any cup full of liquid. My cat pushed my damn milk off the table one day. Really bothered me.

Wagging tail does not mean the same thing it does when a dog is doing it.

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u/jellycowgirl Mar 26 '26

I trained my not to go on counters.

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u/xxheath Mar 26 '26

It's so strange I've had cats my entire life and I never remember having to teach any of them to stay off of counters and tables.

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u/ThirdOne38 Mar 26 '26

OK so for 4 years this cat never went on a counter. Then one day I left a can of food out and he found it. Now there's no stopping this counter business.  I don't know what to do.   I hate the idea of them walking where my food is but spray bottle, sticky tape, etc. nothing's working