If three months ago you would have told me I'd have a cat, I would have looked at you as if you had three-heads. I've always considered myself a dog person, and being the proud owner of three lovely dogs, I thought that cemented my dog-person title; that is, until I became the accidental owner of a cat. Beforehand, if I ever wanted to love on a cat, all I had to do was go to my best friend's house and love on any of her seven cats. That all changed when I moved to my new house and there she was, a green-eyed gray, on the side of our house. It was love at first meow. At first she was hesitant around my family and I, (partially due to the noise of putting down floors and moving in furniture, partially due to her being feral) but when she finally warmed up, she waltzed straight up to me and was quick to claim me as her own. After begging my mom and telling her we can't just not feed her, I became a cat owner. Now obviously I've been told what having a cat is like compared to having a dog, and I never believed all the differences but Kida has shown me just how true some of the sayings are.
1. If they want attention, you WILL give it to them.
Kida is the queen of this trait. With her squeaky meow, there is no ignoring her. It does not matter to her if you're in the middle of something important or simply using the bathroom, she will come to you and make you love her.
2. When giving attention, pet correctly...or suffer the consequences.
Kida has the habit of rapidly turning, and next thing you know, your hand has been maimed into a battlefield. I wish Kida was as nice as this cat.
3. They will gift you with dead things.
Kida has yet to bring me any "treats" from her late-night hunting expeditions, but I know it is only a matter of time.
4. Toys you buy are useless.
Kida is slowly warming up to the idea of being an inside-outside cat, and we thought buying her some cat toys would help her transition. Well, she has yet to touch them unless she is moving them out of her way. So, there goes around $40 down the drain.
5. They decide what is a toy.
As mentioned, Kida has ignored all her bought toys and has decided a pink shoelace is clearly the bee's knees. My sister's cats steal her ponytail holders and are in love with any boxes that make their way into the house.
6. Catnip is your best friend.
I remember my friend telling me that if you sprinkle catnip on the toys or cat tower, your cat should seem much more interested. Sure it gets your cat a tad bit high, but the toys become useful and not a waste of money.
7. They have sandpaper for tongues.
Due to the fact of me being ignorant of the knowledge of animal tongues, I thought all animal tongues feel the same way. My lord, I couldn't have been more wrong. I have really bad texture problems and tend to freak out if I come into contact with a weird texture. I was given a real treat when I found out my cat likes to lick feet. So,I can just be in bed and she nonchalantly starts licking my feet, and it takes everything in me not to scream because I know it's just a sign of affection.
8. CATS can be (pardon my french) DOUCHES.
I have seen just how rude cats can be, and Kida is no different. Her current favorite pastime is terrorizing my dogs. Unlike the gif below, my dogs don't retaliate, so we are trying to break her habit.
Luckily, she hasn't gotten into the spirit of knocking things over or making her scratch posts be the furniture.
