Nice that your children never peed or pooped. OR —had miraculous diapers that doused all odors.
My DH never had a cat before he met me. Never liked them, never wanted one. He was surprised at himself when he finally got to know a cat. They HAVE personalities, he said!!
Every cat is different. Each one has its own personality. They are really like we are - made up of all of their personal histories and experiences, which lead to individuality, with all its little quirks.
But you only really see this, when you develop personal relationships with them.
The two we have now are the most affectionate and doting cats that we’ve ever had. I think it’s because they were born in a shelter, after their mom was found pregnant on the street; and spent the first six months of life being doted upon by all of the volunteers. They pretty much imprinted upon loving humans.
We can’t go out the door, without finding them waiting at the door when we come home, like dogs.