Dear Dave,
I don't think it is a mistake at all. As BD says, catts love clay pots. They breathe very nicely. I have found that it is best to soak them well before you use them and they will dry more uniformly. I really like the clay pots with holes in them. But I like to put the holes in my pots not just around the base but along the sides about midway up as well. It seems to me that you can get more air to the roots that way. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Remo