Life Lessons from My Cat

I am a cat person. I’ve enjoyed having feline companions most of my life. There’s something about the way they approach things that really resonates with me. They have a quiet confidence and know exactly what they want, and I admire that.

I’ve enjoyed the company of my black, domestic cats, Boomer and Hoover, for 10 years. That is until Hoover got very ill recently and I made the painful decision to help him transition and find peace. But his spirit is still with me and I find myself still appreciating him and what he, along with his brother, have had to teach me about life, love, and letting go.

• Rest matters. Like a little Buddha master, my cat is quick to remind me that sometimes the best answer is just to take a little time out for a nap. He can often be found chilling out on the couch or a chair nearby, languishing in a little reverie. Sometimes he curls up in a ball. Sometimes he’s on his back sprawled out with exposed belly.
• You gotta eat regularly. I could set a clock to the “feed me” meows that fill the air in my house. My cat is always there to remind me it’s time to eat. After all, eating helps fuel all the feline antics he enjoys.
• Water changes everything. When I accidentally let the water level in my cat’s dish get too low, all bets are off in my house. It’s the one thing that gets the strongest reaction from him. He follows me around, staring with those big, saucer eyes. If that doesn’t work, he meows repeatedly. He circles around near his water dish and then if all else fails, he corners me in the kitchen. It’s obvious his stress level is at an all time high. And as soon as he gets some water, he calms immediately.
• Cleanliness is a virtue. My cat spends more time preening and cleaning himself than any creature I’ve ever known. He rivals any teenage girl. He takes his hygiene very seriously, indulging after meals, after potty time, and before and after napping. He is all about being presentable and ready for anything.
• It’s okay to ask for what you want. Anyone who knows cats knows that they often don’t just ask for what they want, they demand it. But one thing is for sure…they are on a mission. When hungry, they let you know. When thirst, they let you know. When it’s time for a good ear scratching, they are right there brushing up against you letting you know they need something. If we all could be so bold in the asking, I think our stress levels would drop exponentially. But we get caught up thinking we’ll be a nuisance, or thinking our needs aren’t important (or as important as others’).
• You can’t stay mad forever. My cat is a master at letting go. Don’t get me wrong, if he gets upset, he lets it be known. A sideways glare, a batting of the paw, a hiss, or a lovely surprise on the bathroom rug, he’s never at a loss for letting his feelings be known. But he also gets over it quickly. He doesn’t hold onto anger for long. He just needs his space or some attention, and he’s back to his affectionate self.
• Love is in the details. While some people long for a passionate, all-consuming love, pet owners know that love is about companionship, trust, and loyalty. What we do on a consistent basis really matters. And the act of taking care of another living thing is tremendously rewarding.

While I’m sure there are more lessons to come, I sure have enjoyed what my cats have taught me so far about life. They are true masters at living in the moment.