Do you own a cat? Or more appropriately .. does a cat own you?
I have had the privilege of sharing the last 25 years with these lovable felines. I discovered that they teach us a lot about being human. Yes, you heard that right. An animal can teach us how to be human.
Be curious about everything.
If I open a cupboard or a door, my kitty is inside exploring before I even realize it. One day I was rearranging some things in the kitchen. I opened a lower cabinet door and left momentarily to find another dish. Upon my return I closed the door before moving to another room in the house. About 10 minutes later I heard muffled sounds. I assumed they originated from a cat outside, so went on with my project. A minute later the sounds got louder. I opened the cabinet door and out popped our kitty! All cat owners have their own multiple experiences like this. So much fun.
[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”What greater gift than the love of a cat” Charles Dickens[/tweet_box]
Feel comfo
rtable in your own skin.
Ever watch a cat stretch out, curl up or turn over on it’s back? Our kitty Button could care less what we think about her movements. When the spirit moves her she acts in any way she so chooses. As someone owned by a cat, I experience a calm when I observe this behavior. Button is OK in her own skin, so why shouldn’t I be too?
Always Include Play time in your day.. or night.
Kitty Button plays constantly. The simplest toy can get her juices flowing. Right now her favorite toy[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img] is the round cap from milk bottles. So much for spending lost of money on official cat toys, right? Another favorite is an empty box and paper bag. The lesson? We don’t need elaborate gifts and toys to be happy. Go down to the local park and use the swing set. It’s fun! Or put on a crazy hat and walk into the grocery store. Enjoy the reactions. One time I was challenged to walk up to a total stranger and recite a mantra about myself. Scary at first and then so energizing. take pleasure and have fun EVERY DAY.
Share your love with others
When a cat loves us we are rewarded with a delicately placed paw on our hand or foot. Or they sleep right on top of us. What an amazing feeling to experience this love. We all have the ability to share our love with those around us. A smile to a stranger, a compliment to a friend or acquaintance. These simple acts can make someone’s day. D
on’t you love it when you are the recipient?
I hope you have enjoyed these Meows of Wisdom. Now go out and have some fun!
Just love this, Alene! Yep, my cat teaches me these things. So do all my dogs. I know that I learn more from them than they do from me 🙂
Thanks Susan. We can learn how to let more okay into our lives from both cats and dogs
Dear Alene,
I have two cat’s and always loved them . They have their own personalities and run the house like children. My cat’s are smart and they are so loving. One is little on the frisky side. Cat’s are so smart theoneknows if I had a long day, and curls up next to me .Great Post!
Lori English
Thanks Lori. Each cat does have its own personality for sure. That is what makes them so precious.
Meows of wisdom – love it. So true that cats are great teachers – the way they luxuriate in life, allowing plenty of time for fun and play and lots of stretching and comfort. I had a beautiful cat for 23 years and she was an absolute joy, and yes, she did own me.
Hi Tamuria so glad you were also owned by a cat?
Not a cat person but derned if they don’t seek me out. I went to Jackie’s house earlier this year and it was quite comical watching her cats though. I’m sure they are very therapeutic. I have kids and my own biz… so I have plenty to entertain me for now…; maybe someday I’ll get a dog.
Your cat sounds too cute! We got our first ever pet in April, we rescued him and we’ve called him Oscar. He’s a quiet little cat who likes to snooze a lot.
Oscar sounds adorable? Enjoy him and his personality
When my daughter moved home, she brought her two cats and her dog with her. Up until then, I had little experience with cats and would have told anyone who asked, I’m “not a cat person”. Boy, was I ever wrong about that! I adore these two guys and find them entertaining and so very loveable. Although our guys do not cuddle or jump up on us, as they prefer a space between them and us even when they do get close. Love how your observations and experiences with your cats has brought such wonderful insights and learnings. Although I’ve only had cats around for a very short amount of time, I agree with you and see how animals in general, have so much to teach us. If we are open to observing and learning from them. Thanks for the wonderful post, Alene!
Appreciate your experience with kitties as a first timer. Every cat is different of course. Some love the cuddling while others just want to share space with us. Either way they are the perfect companion
Cat love here! Thanks for a fun post. Jingles is our 18 year old cat, and saddens me that her time with us is limited. She has lost weight and is a picky eater, but is still Jingles. Even as a geriatric cat, she cuddles and loves and plays:)
I sure hope you have a little more time with Jingles. Our previous cat Cici lived to 23 and finally left us. We both cried for over a month. Our new owner Button has Been delightful yet with an entirely different personality
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED your post Alene!!! I can totally relate as I know what it is like to be “owned” by a cat (make that 2) lol 🙂
I love cats, period and what they can teach us is just awesome and we as humans need to adhere to these “meows of wisdom”
Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic post!
Thanks so much Joan. Glad to now a another cat lover?
I, too, have been owned by cats for decades (after being raised with dogs; cats are so much easier!). What resonated with me in this article was being comfortable in your own skin. One of my boys, Simba, loves to sprawl out on his back, showing his equipment to the world. Does he care? Not one bit! I strive to show the same kind of attitude.
So funny Jackie. Our kitty does the same.she doesn’t care who is watching!
Before we decided to leave the East Coast for the SouthWest, the cat goddess gave us three litters of feral kittens. When it came time to move, no one would take them. Yes, we bought a trailer and they all came with us. No regrets, We’re one big happy family along with my great vacuum cleaner.
Quite a commitment Joyce. But then they are family after all
What a gentle and lovely blog after the election. I think many of us have cuddled with our kitty for comfort. Thanks for sharing this. I was adopted September 2015 by a Russian Blue and although I tried to find her a home, it tuned out we bonded and now we belong together.
Thanks Candess. I saw your gorgeous kitty in one of your blog videos..she has found a good home
Alene, I smiled reading your article about cats. 2 cats own me and I own a dog – lol. It’s SO true what they say about cats owning their people. They are magnificent creatures. I believe we can all learn a lot from our furry babies. Your pictures remind me of my cats and the incredible memories we’ve shared. Thanks for a fun article! Now, to go forth and play with my cats… once I find them.
Thanks Tandy glad I was able to invoke some great memories for you. And if a cat doesn’t want to be found. You will NOT find them?
I am a total cat lover but am so allergic so it was so fun to read this. I love that cats and even dogs, move their body however they see fit. I wish I could imitate them. I think of it while standing in a line. I always want to do some stretches or toe touches, but don’t. I can’t past what others would think. 🙂
I get that Karen. We are just so conditioned to be proper and normal aren’t we. Cats have it made?
True it is always nice and a good company to have a cat. And I used to have a lot of cats when I lived in the countryside before.
Thanks Katarina. I bet those cats loved the freedom of the outdoors. Mine is relegated to the house..but we do have an atrium that she ‘hunts’ in
When I was growing up,my grandmother was taking care of street cats. They came to my grandmother’s backyard during meal times. I never have seen her pet them though just like the Westerners do. Interestingly enough, 10 years ago, I have developed an allergy on them. Anyway, I think they provide joy and companionship to their owners.
Thanks Lorii. Normally the cats that live in the outdoors ..called feral cats..do not respond to human touch that well!
Animals can teach us so many things and bring such joy to our lives. Great post.
Thanks so much Lisa. I agree completely ?
I am allergic to cats, so I’m not all that familiar with their habits. But I’m definitely owned by my two dogs. They allow me to live with them- they certainly rule the roost! Aren’t animals wonderful?
Thanks Jennifer. Yes dogs get to own us too. Glad you have that joy in your life
Thanks for a fun post.