From the moment I got my cat, named Mouse, from a shelter, I've learned so much about life. She is a small cat that I named Minnie, then Minnie Mouse, then finally just Mouse, which has stuck to this day. What I didn't expect was how many things an animal really teaches you when you take care of it. Yes, responsibility and yes, patience, but I didn't expect her to remind me about living in the moment, or how loyalty is one of the greatest qualities a living being can have. Mouse is constantly keeping me on my toes and teaching me life lessons. So, here are five of these very unexpected ideas that she reminds me of everyday.
1. Live in the moment
Who knew a cat could teach someone "YOLO" - You Only Live Once. But she certainly has. Whether it's her endless energy or excitement every time she has a new box to jump in, my cat epitomizes the idea of living in the moment. As humans, we are often caught up in day-to-day experiences and forget the bigger picture. But despite the hardships in life, animals remain innocent in their way of approaching the world and always react to situations immediately. This is an important lesson that has prompted me to apply an animal perspective to my own life. By taking the human emotions and stress out of it, and simply living in the now.
2. Have curiosity in the simplest of things
A simple cardboard box, a plastic spoon, and a leaky faucet are all mundane aspects in human homes, all of which my cat finds fascinating. I often find Mouse staring at objects intensely, studying them for the first time, curious about their materiality and sound. She is adorable in her constant curiosity of the world and and even the simplest things in it. Thus her perspective, has sparked my own curiosity in analyzing things around me and trying to appreciate even basic objects. This naive, inquisitive outlook is actually rather interesting as it makes the ordinary into extraordinary. It also forces me to take a step back, and see if I can re-purpose something that I had never thought of before. So the next time you have a large empty box, or a plastic straw, ask yourself, what could I do or make with this? And trust me, the endless possibilities will be hilarious.
3. Trust your instincts
Yes, we have all heard this one before: Trust your gut! But this phrase rings true, especially in the world of a cat. Mouse (and all animals for that matter) rely on their highly acute senses as they navigate their environment. They are constantly relying on their bodies to tell them if something is safe, or if there is good food around the corner. Animals trust themselves and their abilities to help them through situations in their life. As humans, I feel this concept is actually the opposite. We often rely on communication and influence from those around us to persuade our judgement of a situation. But trusting your gut is usually the right way to go. So the next time, you find yourself in a tricky circumstance, have faith that your instincts know the best answer.
4. Love conquers all
Unconditional love is something I never thought my cat would teach me, but it's true. Animals have a lack of judgement that allows them to love another without strings attached or expectations, and just real, honest love. Whether it's Mouse's excitement to see me when I get home, or her need to bring me all of her toys on my pillow, I can tell she has an absolute, complete love for me that is something only I feel animals can teach you. An animals ability to love another creature, unrelated biologically, without any assurances is a true life lesson that should not be missed.
5. Loyalty also conquers all
Finally, the most important thing that I learned from having a pet: loyalty. Yes, it sounds cheesy, because we all know about man's best friend, a dog. But animals have an interesting type of loyalty, one that is forgiving and kind and derives itself from their unconditional love. Animals are not trying to prove themselves by remaining loyal, or feel obligated to do so, it is simply in their nature. My cat, Mouse, is one of extreme loyalty, and constantly remains at my side at all times. Her loyalty even surprises me at times because in my own mind, I think it is to the extreme. But to any loyal pet, they are just doing their job!
These are a few of the incredible, unexpected things my cat has taught me. So the next time you play with your cat, or take your dog for a walk, ask yourself if there is anything, that this animal in your life has taught you?
