THE CAT AS LIFE TEACHER

TEACHER

Cats are excellent teachers. Simply watching them brings us into the present moment consciousness; their Buddha-like energy, with gracious and calm moves, playful at times, yet alert when needed. The delightfulness of their divine presence opens our heart to approach life in a softer way.

Their affectionate behaviour learns us unconditional love and friendship, their personal needs humbleness, their movements and rhythm, balance and flexibility. Their stubborn and unique character teach us, that regardless of the circumstances, to always stay true to ourselves; still, to not see it as the ultimate aim and remain open and curious to life’s little and delightful pleasures.

Never think of a cat as being lazy, as sleeping is required to preserve energy for the necessary duty in life. Doing nothing is a beneficial activity. It is the cat’s way of being; zen, beautiful and devoted to itself.

Felines communicate differently to humans than they do with cats, it is a necessary skill they developed to survive. However, their natural instinct is still a big part of their communication system. When interacting with them, we need to stay aware of their eyes, ears and tail, as they give clear signs whether or not they appreciate our presence and behaviour. When ignored or disrespected, they will lash out or use one of their innate communication skills to express their feelings. A valuable lesson to always be aware of non-verbal communication, with animals and humans.

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~ Martin Buber

HEALER

Cats are known to be great healers. In exchange for food and a comfortable life, we get their friendship, affection, cuddles and purring. Research has proven the evidence that owning or being near cats, results in being more relaxed, both mentally and physically. As a cat owner you ‘know’ this already, especially when you are not feeling well or upset. The feline will find your lap and stay there until you feel more peaceful again. Their soft and velvet fur invite’s us to pet them and forget our thoughts and worries. While the cat is spinning and indulging our tender stroking, our tension is too being rubbed away.

Cat Purrs’ have healing power, vibrating within a range of 20–140 HZ, known to be medically therapeutic for many diseases:

1. Lowering stress.
2. Decrease the symptoms of dyspnoea for both cats and humans.
3. Lowering blood pressure.
4. Healing of bones.
5. A recent study shows that cat owners have 40% less risk of heart attack.
6. Help heal infection of swelling.
7. Healing of muscles, tendons and ligament injuries.

For those who are fond of felines but are not in a situation that allows them the freedom to have one of their own; spending time at a local shelter or rescue centre does offer some of the same health benefits while the animals profit too.

Pets elevate and touch our souls with their presence in a way that no human ever could. These beautiful creatures are true angles that devote their lives to us. ~ David Russell

ROYAL HIGHNESS

In ancient Egypt, cats were considered as Gods. They still carry this inheritance in their system and expect to be treated accordingly. As a cat owner, you will always be their servant. Whenever they want your attention, food, a door opened or anything they are determined to do or have, you will be notified, persistently, annoyingly, but very endearing at the same time. They are well aware of it and will use any opportunity to entice you to get what they want. Amazingly, they mostly do! As I’ve said, we can learn from cats as we too can achieve anything if we set our mind to it.

“You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals.” ~ George Mikes

Within the kingdom of the feline, the cat rules the house! A perfect way to keep the cat owner, humble and grounded. Their little toilet always needs to be cleaned, no special day or occasion is a reason to skip. If this rule is ignored, they will protest, perhaps by leaving their ordure somewhere else in the house. It is a cat’s way to communicate, inviting us to listen with our heart.

Maintaining a healthy and clean fur can give nasty hairballs, that needs to come out, preferably on a nice rug or anything suitable within the cat’s territory. Being upset about it will not change anything. Acceptance and cleaning up the mess is the best we can do, indulging the Royal Highness with an extra cuddle.

Like Buddha, cats teach us not to get too attached to our belongings or what our mind believes to be valuable. Your house is their territory. With complete confidence, it will scratch its nails on your favourite couch, carpet or clothes, totally ignoring the expensive cat tree you’ve bought for that purpose. Don’t get to excited when purchasing a cat toy either, as they are nearly as interesting as useless little things and empty boxes.

HUNTER

Underneath the coach of each cat is a hunter hidden, transforming an adorable cat into a fierce fighter. Danger lurks everywhere in a cat’s eye. With the intensity and concentration as if catching prey, they run behind a dead leave, chase a ping pong ball or jump on your shoe laces. Demonstrating us to what they are capable of.

Just as humans, no cat is equally ambitious. The ‘relaxed cat’, for instance, likes to sleep, eat served food and live the comfortable life, with no specific goals and without any ambition to rise above themselves. The ‘adventurous cat’ is different, teaching us not to limit ourselves, by making a leap of faith and reach beyond our comfort zone. Nothing goes beyond the pleasure and excitement of catching a challenging target. Who said, we can’t combine a life of comfort, with a more adventurous and exciting lifestyle, while reaching towards our goals and dreams.