People have a generalized notion of what a dog is like, and what a cat is like.

Folks know dogs are pack animals and cats are not. They THINK this means cats are not social; of course they are! They just hunt solo!

Cats can do Agility runs, and be trained on many commands. The broad (human) population does not realize this.

Remember, just 40 years back (give or take), there was no litter. Cats were kept in the cellar to keep mice and rats out, a window was left open and they came and went as they pleased. Often they were in the house during the day and let out at night.

Times change; just takes longer for general perceptions to keep up.