I always thought I was a dog person. Then we adopted two cats—and I found myself appreciating something I hadn’t expected.
Getting Started
For as long as I can remember, I’ve considered myself a dog person. I’ve always had dogs—at one point, five at the same time—so I’ve been comfortable with the rhythm of dog ownership. There’s a predictability to it, a familiarity in how they fit into daily life. Cats, on the other hand, just never felt like they fit into mine. Being a dog person shaped how I thought about pets, and I had simply never pictured myself living with cats.
My husband, however, had grown up with cats. Over time, I realized that having them again was something he genuinely missed. Eventually, I gave in because I saw how much it mattered to him—apprehensive, but willing to give it a try.
We adopted two cats from a rescue, and just like that, it became about sharing our home with animals—just in a different way than I was used to.
What Surprised Me Right Away
From the beginning, there were things about cats that caught me off guard. The litter box, for example, was surprisingly easy. I had expected some level of training or adjustment, but no—they just knew what to do. It was as if they arrived fully briefed on how the system works.
Then there was their curiosity. Cats explore everything. Not casually, but thoroughly. Every surface, every corner, every item that has been in the house for years but suddenly seems interesting. And they don’t just explore what’s within reach—they redefine what “within reach” means. Counters, shelves, and places I didn’t expect to be accessible quickly became part of their routine.
They also find delight in the simplest things. Springs, knit balls, even a stray straw can become a source of entertainment. Some of their favorite moments have been playing in a makeshift fort my husband created out of a large leaf bag or even just a tote bag. It doesn’t take much—just a small space, something new to explore, and they’re completely engaged.
Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how much life they’ve added to our home. There’s always something happening, even in small ways. I’ve also seen how much they’ve meant to my husband, which has made the experience more meaningful than I expected.
What I’ve Come to Appreciate Most
What I didn’t expect—and what has surprised me the most—is how much joy they’ve brought into our home. It’s been fun in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
Our two rescue cats are sisters, Athena and Calypso, and as you’d expect, they are completely different. Athena is shyer, though she seeks out affection on her own terms—when and where she decides. Calypso is braver, but also more independent, moving through the house with a quiet confidence.
Because we adopted them at around nine months old, it has been interesting to see how our early impressions have evolved over time. What we initially thought about each of them has shifted as we’ve gotten to know them better, and it’s been enjoyable to watch those understandings deepen.
There’s something rewarding about noticing those differences over time. It’s a quieter kind of connection than what I’ve experienced with dogs, but it’s just as real—just expressed differently. And while they may not always greet me at the door, they have their own ways of showing up—and those moments have been just as meaningful.
Looking Forward
I used to think of myself simply as a dog person. And in many ways, I still am.
But this experience has shifted that perspective. What started as something I did for my husband has become something I genuinely enjoy. It hasn’t replaced my experience with dogs—it’s expanded it.
Maybe it’s less about being a “dog person” or a “cat person,” and more about appreciating the companionship that animals bring into a home.
And as it turns out, I simply enjoy living with them—and even miss them when they’re not there.
