By Ash Merryman
Oh, cats–our most adorable teachers! Since ancient times, cats have been revered for their wisdom and protection. They were even considered demi-gods in ancient Egypt under the protection of the cat-headed goddess Bast. Featured in myths in numerous cultures throughout history, cats have garnered an age-old affinity still strong today. We love their blipping, purring, yawning, and mews. And, beyond these delights, we can learn so much from our cat friends. The wisdoms of cats are seemingly infinite, so I’ll share my personal favorites of the many lessons taught to me by my two furry feline companions.
Take Time for Self-Care. Cats are fastidious groomers, so much so that not grooming is a sign a cat may be unwell. They take ample time each day to take care of their soft coats, encouraging us to show up to our own lives as our most cared for selves. Some of my favorite ways to incorporate this cat wisdom are journaling, drawing, enjoying a cup of tea, and going for a walk. Our feline friends say it is always alright to pause for self-care, and there are many non-commercial ways to nurture ourselves. Cats gift themselves that full lick-down time. What does self-nurturing look like for you? You deserve care from yourself.
Cherish Your Independence. Cats show us how to nurture our relationships while maintaining our autonomy and individual sense of self. While our furry friends are happy to cuddle up with us and play, they also live rich lives independent of us. This reminds us to value time for our own interests and inner lives with the knowledge that our relationships will still be there. Cats gently show us how having our own time and interests allows us to give of our energy more sustainably. Through balancing independent space and their relations marvelously, cats encourage this capacity in us. You can have your own life while sharing your life.
Be Your Abundant Self. Cats are unapologetically themselves, and we love them for it. A couple of years ago I experienced medical issues that forced me to take on less at home. This experience left me grappling with my own lovability and worth as I could no longer contribute in the same ways. One day, my cat Odin climbed onto my belly for cuddles, and I realized how much I love showing Odin affection simply for being himself. My cat obviously doesn’t help with household or work tasks. Instead, he contributes his gentleness, patience, and unapologetic love of being pet for long periods of time regardless of what I or my spouse was up to. By being himself, my cat friend taught me the worth of my emotional contributions, as I offer emotional support and a space of nonjudgement to those I love. Since being guided by my cat to expand how I define my worth, I have regained good health and know that no matter the situation I am inherently valuable and can agilely find a new perspective. You are inherently valuable and worthy, too.
Experience Stillness. Sometimes the best response is passive. This can feel counterintuitive in our fast-paced society. Cats remind us we needn’t always be active: stillness and observation may be wise alternatives. Observe how still your cat stays while watching a bird through the window. Or, how peaceful your cat is when stretched out in their favorite patch of sun. One of my favorite stillness exercises is to sit at the window with my cats and watch birds at the feeder every day. This taught me to slow down and enjoy the birds’ songs, striking colors, and complex community. Stillness benefits both cats and humans alike. Take time to be still and observe.
Listen to your intuition. Let’s face it, cats can sense far more than us. They have more sensitive hearing such that they recognize the sound of your specific walk outside before you even get to the door. And cats can see at night with the most minimum light source. The fine senses of cats have earned them a reputation as protectors. Additionally, we can relate the surreal sensory capacities of cats to our sixth sense, our intuition. In this way, cats remind us to be attuned with all of our senses for full awareness. Listen to the whispers of your intuitive sense.
Communicate Your Needs. I bonded more with my two cats when I let them show me how they like to be pet, and now nothing melts my heart quite like them nuzzling their furry little faces on my hand. Cats communicate their needs without fear of judgement or disapproval, showing us that when we communicate about how to love us and what we need, we receive more of what feels like love and care to us, resulting in an increased sense of fulfillment. Like how my two cat friends seek out more cuddles now that I’ve learned how they want to be pet, I too, am more eager to spend time with people who make me feel respected and cared for. Cats are not worried their human friends will not like them anymore if they communicate their needs and preferences–they simply communicate, allowing themselves to be fully seen and cared for. Have the courage to show others your honest self and needs.
Having Boundaries is Loving and Healthy. As the saying goes, cats choose you. They live life on their terms, and our relationships with them, are largely on their terms, too. Therefore, cats have excellent boundaries and know how to communicate them. Odin always pushes my hand down with his paw when he is done being pet. This small but firm gesture taught me that setting boundaries is a form of care. I had struggled with setting boundaries most of my life having grown up in a household that lacked healthy boundaries. So, it wasn’t until I began working on setting healthy boundaries with an amazing therapist that I could see what my cat friends were showing me all along: setting and respecting boundaries allows our relationships to flourish in a space of safety and mutual respect. When we set boundaries, we are both exercising a knowing of ourselves and our needs as well as affirming and respecting ourselves. That is a lot of gifts to oneself in one sentence! Healthy relationships are part and parcel of healthy boundaries. A cat would be the first to tell us not to share space with those who disregard our boundaries. And, on the flip side, cats say to cuddle up to relations with respect for our thresholds. Gift yourself and your relationships boundaries to flourish.
There are so many other gifts of wisdom cats give us: calm, curiosity, bravery, and a pinch of magic are just a few. I hope you’ve enjoyed the furred lessons shared here, and that they’ve resonated with your experiences, too. I have so much gratitude for my sage cat teachers as I’m sure you do yours. Thanks for “paws”ing to meditate on the valuable teachings of cats!
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