I can honestly say that I was born a cat lover. From the wee age of three, I was playing with the neighborhood cats or trying to at least because well, the cats didn't want to play just because I did. Cats really don't do anything they don't want to, and that's a quality I really appreciate in a furry companion. Regardless, many people turn their noses up at cats because they lack that need-to-please characteristic that most dogs have. All of a sudden, cats are being portrayed as these apathetic demons, which don't get me wrong, they can be when they enjoy waking you up by knocking things off the dresser at 3AM, but really cats are wonderful companions in their own way.

I have owned several cats over the years and they have all had their own unique quirks. Some are more rambunctious and liable to scratch your hands up pretty good whenever they're in the mood to play, while others prefer long naps in the windowsill and lots of snuggles. My favorite part has always been watching their personalities emerge and learning to love each of them in the way that would make them the happiest. I think these differing personalities is one of the best things about cats, because it's almost funny how closely some can resemble humans. Yes, most cats aren't at your every beck and call, but when they want your love they don't mind asking for it. Maybe you can't force them to do much of anything, but they know how to serve as your companion in their own ways.

I have never owned an apathetic cat. A lot of people turn to their dogs for emotional comfort when there are no words for the pain, and dogs are really good at picking up on your emotions and acting accordingly. Cats are not immune to this instinct in the slightest. Anytime I have ever been upset/crying near one of my cats, they have always been right there beside me, purring and meowing at me with concern and trying to comfort me in whatever way they can.

Another misconception I see about cats is that because they can't be trained to do commands easily, they lack the ability to communicate with us. Any cat owner who has had an especially talkative cat can tell you that is a lie. My current cat is almost constantly trying to communicate with me, and I am no cat whisperer but usually I can get the idea if I pay attention. She tells me when she needs food or water, and she lets me know when she would like to be loved on.

Cats are often disliked for this desire to choose when they want affection and when they don't, but it's just another trait that makes their individual personalities shine. Not to mention, there's nothing more heartwarming than coming home from a long day at work or school and having a kitty waiting to snuggle up with you to show how much they missed you.

While I definitely have an appreciation for dogs and the traits that are unique to them, I think I will always prefer cats because they are just better suited for my personality. They are low maintenance pets when it comes to their physical needs and typically very independent animals, but whenever I need some love, I can always count on them. Having a cat is like having a roommate who is more than happy to be off doing their own thing, but also likes to spend time with you whenever it's convenient for both of you.

So please don't pass up the perfect furry friend because they don't really care about playing fetch with you or being with you at all times. Like any other pet, cats are meant to be our friends, an extension of our family, and they do just that in their own great way!