My wife’s cat never liked me. To be fair, I tried everything—treats, toys, even talking to her in the gentlest voice. But no matter what I did, the cat would hiss, glare, or retreat to some high place where I couldn’t reach her. It was as if she had decided, from the moment we met, that I wasn’t to be trusted.One day, while visiting the animal shelter with a friend, I noticed a cat that looked almost identical to my wife’s. Same fur pattern, same piercing eyes—just without the scornful attitude.On impulse, I did something I now realize was more foolish than clever: I secretly swapped them.For weeks, life was peaceful. The new cat tolerated me, even sat near me while I worked. My wife didn’t notice at first. Then one evening, while we were watching TV, the new cat curled up on her lap and purred. My wife froze.She whispered, almost in disbelief, “Did you wash her? She feels… different.”