I’ve owned my cat, Casey for 10 years now, or, better put, my cat has owned me for 10 years. And over those 10 years (and I can't believe I’m saying this), my cat has taught me a wide variety of life lessons and rules that can be applied to any human life, really.
I’m about to get classic crazy cat lady on you right now, but bear with me.
How to voice your opinion successfully.
There’s a certain tone for everything a cat wants: food, to be let outside, attention, the works. But the thing is, when you hear this tone in the meow, you do it. You don’t even fight it because you know exactly what it wants. If only people could be this clear and concise with their own words, maybe the world wouldn’t be such a confusing place. Voice your opinions and wants clearly and articulately, and you might be surprised what you can get done.
When to know you’re being annoying.
Ever pet a cat for a little too long and have it either nip at you or get up and walk away? This means you’re being annoying. Know when you’re starting to cross the line with someone and stop immediately. If you want a person to come near you ever again, I suggest you find these limits and never cross them.
How to be independent and not clingy.
If only I knew what my cat did the whole day besides taking naps (ummm, can we switch places, please?). My cat will explore every inch of the house or pounce through the neighboring vacant lot for hours without a companion. She’s mysterious and never let's herself be available at all times — a trait all girls should have, really. Especially in an age of always being in touch, let people wonder where you are.
How to be tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.
From fighting vicious voles to cuddling on my lap, my cat exemplifies the perfect balance in a personality. My cat can yell at me, run away or refuse to eat the food in her bowl, but later hop into my bed and snuggle in right against my stomach. Hard on the outside, heart of gold on the inside. Perfect.
No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do.
It is impossible to make a cat do anything that they don’t want to do first. Try clothing them in silly outfits? Not gonna happen. Put them in a crate to take to the vet? Would rather not, unless you’re into scratch marks. Remember, don’t let anyone make you do anything you don’t want to do and fight to get out of bad situations.
Curiosity can sometimes lead to a better place.
Taking that leap of faith onto the pergola outside our house took guts for my cat. She didn’t know what to expect, but had a good feeling and went for it. It pays off to listen to your gut and take risks, and sometimes it can give you the best view of the backyard.
You can take a nap anywhere you please.
Sink? On the car windshield wipers? Chair? Top of a cabinet? On a keyboard? You can take a nap anywhere if you put your mind to it.
How to let someone know you love them — it’s not that hard.
For a cat, a simple purr or rub against the leg is their way of saying they love you. They don’t complicate things when it comes to their feelings. They don’t fumble a text or bring home your favorite ice cream. They flat out tell you they love you when they mean it with no awkwardness or fault in their self-confidence.
Cuddling is the best pastime.
When in doubt, cuddle it out. There's no better activity than snuggling up in bed. Nothing.
Being able to choose is an underrated ability.
When my cat decides to sleep with me for the night, it is one of the biggest compliments ever. She could’ve slept on the couch, with my parents, in the guest room, on the chair or anywhere else, but she chose to sleep with me. Getting picked for something shows you you are doing something right. Don’t question it when your boss picks you for an assignment or you get voted the leader of your group project.
Waking up next to the thing you love is the best way to wake up.
Find someone you love and hold on tight. The best thing is waking up to the person you love, opening your eyes and seeing their face in the morning. My cat even gives me a morning meow and snuggle session before I get up for work. Talk about true love.
Some days, you just need a lazy day.
No one knows how to relax more than a cat. Take some notes, and go take a well-deserved 11-hour nap.
