When it comes to being chill, cats are the undisputed champions of laziness. From them, we can all learn a thing or two about setting our cares aside. I didn't know that there was anything about procrastination that I could still learn, having spent years honing my slacking skills on my own, but here are 12 life lessons my cat, Misty, teaches me every day:
1. We play hide and seek before I leave for literally anywhere.
Have you seen the cat? Well, were all the doors shut downstairs? I just finished the laundry, maybe she followed me in. I’d better shake the treats.
2. She likes all my favorite shows.
Sometimes she’ll even come over right at the end of an episode and pin me down for at least three or four more. Meh, I didn’t have any adulting to do today, anyway.
3. She’s incredibly photogenic.
Who doesn’t love taking pictures of their cats? Mine’s precious. She’s adorable. Are you sitting down? I’ve got at least a thousand more photos just like these. #catsofinstagram #MorningsWithMisty
4. Sometimes, she helps me remember to wait after eating before resuming physical activity.
Because when she hops up for a lap nap, it doesn’t matter that eating a sandwich takes two minutes. Today, it’s going to take at least 20.
5. She helps me pick out my clothes, but not too early.
Well, I guess I’ll wear that shirt: the one the cat isn’t sleeping on.
6. We have compulsory affection time.
When her clock strikes love o’clock, it doesn’t matter if I’m trying to read, play video games or balancing my checkbook. She relentlessly begs for attention with affectionate nibbling, headbutting and drooling, sometimes not even caring if I have the means to pet her. If my hands aren’t free, she will use my arm to pet herself.
7. She gives me a time frame for optimal vacuuming.
I wouldn’t want to start sweeping too soon, she’ll just roll around and put fur all over the carpet and couch before the guests arrive. I’d better wait until they ring the doorbell. Of course, I could just leave the vacuum in the middle of the room so she stays on top of the fireplace all day. Hm, decisions.
8. We graze together.
I should probably pull some weeds in the garden, but the cat keeps begging for food. Well, I guess I could use a snack, too. Maybe just a quick one. How long does it take to warm up a pizza?
9. Those times she’s just not into it.
Sometimes, when she’s not in the mood, I’ll spend forever trying to get the cat to play with me. Naturally, the moment I leave, she decides she would love to play, until I come back to try to join her antics.
10. She’s a beacon of fitness.
By my cat’s standards, I should be able to sleep 23 hours, eat a day’s worth of food in one five minute sitting and still strike some awesome yoga poses with little to no effort. Who needs to hit the gym anyway?
11. We have long conversations.
My cat is quite the philosopher. She often shares her views on the universe, politics and the startling increase of the spider population in the sun room. Most of the time, she leaves me little to add, so I usually just reply with an incredulous “I know, right?”
12. She lets me draw her like one of those French cats.
Oui, cat. Your fat side is your good side.
So, appreciate the feline sages in your life. They can teach you a lot. Unless they're busy napping.
