I get where you're coming from. I grew up with cats, so the behavior seems somewhat "normal" to me. They can definitely be difficult pets at times -- they don't love you like dogs, so it's harder to train them. They also have a very poor understanding of causality.

However, you totally can train them. It's certainly easier when they are younger, and unfortunately you can't stop them from doing something in the future if you don't catch them doing it (preferably early on in the behavior.)

It is definitely worth seriously considering the pros/cons of owning a pet before you get one. I have two cats, and I am stuck with them for the next ~15-20 years.