{"url":"https://www.zooplus.co.uk/magazine/cat/cat-adoption/cats-as-an-example-what-you-can-learn-from-your-feline-friend","title":"Cats as an Example: What You Can Learn From Your Feline Friend","mag_id":301476,"is_single":true,"cat_name":"Cat","sub_cat_id":149,"sub_cat_name":"Cat Adoption and Ownership","cat_id":138}
Your own cat makes a good personal coach, as we can learn a lot from our feline friends.
Elegance, body control, and grace—these are the characteristics that many cat owners admire in their feline companions. Others, however, have clumsy cats at home who mainly attract attention by purring loudly. But despite their differences, cats share many behavioural traits that are typical of their species. As humans, we can glean valuable insights from them. In the following article, you will discover when we should consider our cats as role models and learn from their examples.
Are you stumbling hectically into the day after a long nap? That’s simply not an option for cats! They gracefully conclude their rest period with a little cat yoga session, stretching their bodies extensively. Once their bodies and minds are fully awake, cats proceed with their daily activities.
A relaxing morning routine would benefit many people as well. How about incorporating a few yoga sun salutations before enjoying your morning tea or coffee? This will keep you nimble and help you start the day with purpose. Reading the newspaper, going for a jog, or enjoying homemade overnight oats could become integral parts of your favourite personal routine, setting you off on a positive note.
Grooming for Wellness
Extensive grooming is an essential part of a cat’s routine. With a lick and a promise, cats dedicate around three hours a day to their own grooming. The soothing massage of their rough tongues keeps their coat supple and promotes blood circulation.
What can we learn from cats in this regard? The importance of dedicating time to our bodies and our health! It doesn’t require several hours a day, but rather a conscious decision to prioritize self-care.
Indulge in a massage if your shoulders are tense. Explore a new exfoliating scrub accompanied by a face mask, and unwind with a good book while it takes effect. Your body and soul will appreciate the care and gratitude.
Cats are a good example for us humans when it comes to relaxation in particular.
Masters of Relaxation
Cat lovers are well aware that their feline companions are true experts in the art of relaxation! They effortlessly discover the most comfortable spots from a cat’s perspective and transform them into such cozy havens that simply observing them brings us a sense of calm. While we don’t necessarily need to emulate their 16 hours of slumber, we can make a conscious decision to prioritize a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each day.
Incorporate brief moments of relaxation into your daily routine: snuggle up on the sofa with a book and a dozing cat, and switch your phone to silent mode to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Learning Authenticity from Cats
Cats are masters of authenticity – they never pretend, not even to please others. If they’re not interested in something, they make it abundantly clear. We can take a valuable lesson from this. While it’s not advisable to constantly bare our claws in everyday life, listening to our own needs and desires is crucial for our happiness.
So, the next time you find yourself considering taking on additional work despite feeling exhausted or attending an event that you have no interest in, remember that a firm “no” can also be a solution. Prioritizing your own well-being and being true to yourself is an important approach to leading a fulfilling life.
Embracing the Joy of Play
Even the most majestic cat can transform into an exuberant little kitten at the sight of a cat dangler pole toy. The thrill of chasing a desired object engages all of a cat’s senses. Engaging in playful activities absentmindedly serves as a genuine form of relaxation in our daily lives.
Learning from cats goes beyond playing together. Instead of a dangler pole toy, you can seek out new activities that allow you to completely disconnect and enjoy yourself. How about trying experimental painting? Joining a karate class? Or finally participating in the local singing group instead of simply belting tunes in the shower? Cats serve as a reminder that anything you enjoy is permissible—the key is to have fun!
We can learn a lot from cats not just by playing together.
Embracing Curiosity Inspired by Cats
The innate curiosity of cats serves as a gentle reminder for us to nurture our inner child. What could be rustling in that bag over there? Ah, the bag itself! There is always something intriguing waiting to be explored.
Remaining curious is not limited to the contents of bags and similar things; it extends to different cultures and our fellow human beings as well. Those who believe they possess complete knowledge about something or someone miss out on the delightful experience of discovery. Embracing curiosity allows us to uncover new joys and expand our horizons.
Cats as Exemplars of Patience
“The grass doesn’t grow faster if you tug at it”. Sometimes, it’s challenging for us to be patient and accept that certain things require time. Waiting can test our patience. However, cats can teach us a valuable lesson in this regard. If you’ve ever observed a cat patiently waiting by a mouse hole, you’ve witnessed an expert in the art of timing. Cats remain focused, knowing that the mouse will eventually emerge. They understand that waiting preserves their energy.
Whether it’s sticking to a diet, learning a new language, or pursuing further education, persevering and keeping our goals in sight is a lesson we can glean from cats. Just like them, we should remain patient, knowing that our efforts will bear fruit in due time.
Appreciating Life’s Simple Pleasures
Granted, some cats can be little divas. However, when it comes to material possessions, they couldn’t care less about the price tag. Whether a cat bed costs 15 pounds or 100 pounds is irrelevant to them. What matters most is comfort. Many cat lovers can attest to situations that beautifully illustrate this. They receive a package, and their cat promptly claims the cardboard box as its own cozy retreat. A crumpled piece of newspaper can provide 15 minutes of pure entertainment. Cats teach us the valuable lesson of finding joy in the simplest of things.
We can learn from them to cherish and appreciate the little pleasures that surround us every day. Just like a cat, let us find delight in the ordinary and embrace the happiness that can be derived from life’s seemingly insignificant moments.
Cats take joy in little things. We can learn from cats to also find joy in day-to-day things.
Embracing the Present Moment
Cats have an innate ability to live in the present, without worrying about tomorrow. While we humans strive to plan everything meticulously to attain certainty, or find ourselves consumed by concerns about the future, cats serve as a gentle reminder to simply enjoy the moment.
While forward-thinking is generally advantageous, it’s truly refreshing to occasionally immerse ourselves in the present. Cats can even inspire individuals with chronic illnesses to momentarily set aside their worries, disconnect, and consciously experience the present moment. By allowing ourselves to recharge our batteries in this manner during our daily lives, we can approach each new day with a renewed sense of vitality.
In conclusion, cats serve as true connoisseurs of life and can provide us with valuable lessons that can sometimes even surpass human coaches. While not all aspects of feline behavior may be applicable to our daily lives, there is truth in the notion that trusting our own instincts leads us down a positive path. Cats lead by example, demonstrating the importance of authenticity, relaxation, curiosity, patience, and finding joy in the simplest of things. By observing and learning from our feline companions, we can enhance our own lives and embrace a more fulfilling way of being.
It’s not just the right type of litter tray that will make your cat happy, but also the right type of cat litter. The best litters are ones that are very absorbent and ideally neutralise odours too, but finding the perfect cat litter can be no easy task with so many varieties on offer from natural clumping litter made of clay, non-clumping litter, litter made of wood or silica.
There comes a time when every kitten becomes an adult and tests boundaries. The following article explains when puberty begins with cats and what this defiant phase means for you as a cat owner.
