The first response I hear when I tell someone I have a cat as a pet is "I hate cats" or "I'm just not a cat person." Don't get me wrong, I've not always been a "cat lady." I also have had a dog for 14 years now that I love. There's just a different feeling you get when you're a cat owner, a warm, fuzzy feeling. Here's 7 things that being a cat lady has taught me.

1. Be adventurous.

Cats are not afraid to get out of their comfort zone or visit new places. I've witnessed my cat run fast in an odd direction or high up to chase after a bird. She's not scared of trying new things and we shouldn't be either.

2. Don't be afraid.

My cat has been exposed to numerous things that she may have not seen before such as spiders, lizards, and squirrels. She doesn't let fear come in the way of being in contact with new insects, creatures, or animals. I've even seen my cat play with other neighborhood cats.. but not so much with the squirrels and bunnies. Watching my cat try new things without a second thought has made me think that I should too. I am constantly letting fear control me and while it's not necessarily a good thing, it's always been how I am. It's a weird thing to say, but my cat has taught me not to be so afraid of life.

3. Don't trust so easily.

Before my cat was considered apart of the family, she was a stray. I remember her slowly approaching our door step with wide eyes and slow moving feet. She didn't know what our intentions were, so she wasn't so open with us. She wouldn't come inside for a while and it took time for us to pet her. Now after a few years of cat treats and a warm place for her to sleep, I hope she considers us to be family too. This means that you should be careful who you trust because you never know if someone is going to be out to get you or become one of your closest friends. However, she has taught me that we should always give people a chance.

4. Always land on your feet.

Along with her trying new things while being adventurous and never afraid, I have seen her fall many times, like we do in our everyday trials. Things will not always work as we may think. That branch may not be as strong as she thinks when she pounces on it. But, every time my cat falls, she lands right on her feet and doesn't think twice about it. This has taught me not to dwell on our failures, but to take the curveball's life throws at you and always land on our feet.

5. It's okay to show affection.

Now, my cat has not always been affectionate. In the beginning, she was shy, stand-offish, and looked like she questioned our intentions. This is how I am when I too meet new people. She has showed me that in order for someone to earn my love and affection, I must first trust them whole heartedly.

6. You don't have to answer to everyone that calls.

There are going to be many people in life that are going to try to impress you, but very few people who will actually care. I'm sure my cat had met and passed by many families before stopping at mine, some might've tried to feed her or just pushed her away. She has taught me to never stop searching for people that actually care about your well being. Settle for warm-hearted people (who will give you treats too).

7. Love the people that love you back.

Once my cat gained me and my family's trust, she began to show us affection. She now likes to cuddle with us or even just rub up against our leg to show us she loves us. This has showed me that you should always love the people that love you back.

A big thank you to our furry friends who we now consider apart of the family that make us so happy, make us feel so loved, and that teach us how to become a better person. Some people may associate cat ladies with being "socially awkward" but that's not always the case! Cats make for great companions and show you endless love.. Unless you end up on their bad side.