Here's the thing about cats. They are walking, talking lessons in consent. If a cat doesn't want you to touch them, they WILL hurt you. What the cat wants is as important as what you want or there will be blood! A lot more men could stand to be childless cat men if this is lesson one.

I've never been hurt by a cat. If they don't want to be touched mine have all just wiggled out of my arms or moved away. Even strays, although I'm careful and let them approach me.

the talking part was what surprised me initially

That’s one of the best parts about cats. They possess a fundamental honesty, AND a willingness to enforce it.

Also great at teaching the lesson of “just because I consented earlier doesn’t mean I consent now.”

People who 'hate' cats? Reddest of red flags.

I’ve often thought that on some level men can, and should, be judged based on their relationships with cats.

It tells you a lot about why misogynist men so very often haye cats. There are other people who simply don’t like or get them. But if you ever hear a man speaking of cats with contempt and loathing, stay the hell away.

I always make a point to leave cats be when I pass them on walks... I figure if they want attention they can get it, but otherwise it's probably very stressful for them to be approached by a predator 10x their size, even if they're making kissy faces and whispering to them.

-me holding my cat like a baby and giving my kitty little kisses on the nose- This is what consent looks like.

I was a childless cat man long before I thought about being dad to a human. I’ve seen it all: bottle feeding, ER visits, escapes, and tragedy. This in no way prepared me for a 14yo girl. Except the pet me/fuck you dynamic , and a very hands off approach.