22 Wholesome Cats for a Softer Day on the Internet (July 24th, 2026)

Cata Holmes • Writer

Jul 25, 2026 7:00 AM EDT

Can you be a dog person and still fall for cats?

I have a confession to make. I have always considered myself a dog person. If someone asked me to choose between spending an afternoon with a room full of puppies or a room full of kittens, I wouldn't even need a second to think about it. Dogs have always felt familiar to me, probably because that's what I grew up around. My parents never liked cats, so they were never really part of my world. To me, they seemed distant, unpredictable, and honestly a little intimidating.

That started to change over the past few years, mostly thanks to a couple of friends who absolutely adore their cats. Every time I'd visit, I'd find myself watching them do... well, cat things. They'd spend twenty minutes staring out a window like they were contemplating the meaning of life, suddenly sprint through the house for no reason, then curl up beside someone as if they had planned that moment all day. The more I paid attention, the more I realized I had completely misunderstood them.

Cats don't show affection the same way dogs do, and I think that's what confused me for so long. Dogs wear their emotions on their sleeves. They're excited when you come home, they want to be involved in everything you do, and they're usually ready for an adventure at any moment. Cats are different. They choose their moments, and when they decide to trust you, it feels surprisingly meaningful. It's quieter, but no less genuine.

I've also realized something that probably should have been obvious from the beginning: loving dogs doesn't mean you can't appreciate cats too. They're completely different animals, and that's exactly why there's room for both. One isn't trying to replace the other. They each bring something unique into people's lives, and I finally understand why so many people can't imagine living without a cat.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!