4 Pawmazing Things Cats Teach Us

Cats are adorable and fascinating critters who bring us happiness, unconditional love, and sometimes dead animals as gifts. But look more closely at your feline friend and you’ll find that they can teach you a thing or two about life. 

Our cats are not only great companion animals, but they’re also fluffy little teachers with a lot of wisdom to impart. There's a reason why some believe that Buddhist monks come back as domestic cats, who are frequently seen relaxing in Buddhist temples and shrines. So, the next time you spend time with your cat, observe them carefully and see what you can learn from them. In the meantime, here are four pawmazing things cats teach us!

We all know how important it is, yet many of us struggle to practice self-care. We tend to put our jobs and others first. We’re bad at making time for ourselves, and sometimes we even feel guilty when we do so. Cats, on the other hand, don’t need to be reminded to take care of themselves. In fact, it’s safe to say that they’re masters of self-care! 

Cats are known to be meticulous when it comes to personal hygiene, spending 30-50% of their day cleaning themselves. Hygiene is crucial for us humans too; not only does it reduce the risk of illness, but it also improves how we view ourselves.  

In addition to their appearance, cats understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. If you’re a cat parent, you’ve likely noticed that your furkid stretches… a lot. Cats stretch after sitting or sleeping to activate their muscles and increase blood flow. And that’s something that we need to do as well, especially for those of us who have desk jobs or lead sedentary lifestyles. 

While a cat’s inquisitive nature can sometimes get them in trouble, it also has its advantages. Contrary to the popular saying, curiosity didn’t kill the cat, but it actually helped them survive in the wild. A cat’s tendency to observe and investigate everything allows them to stay safe from predators. For house cats who don’t have to worry about predators, curiosity leads them to new experiences and possibilities. 

The same can be said for us humans. Being curious brings in new skills, new ideas, new adventures, and more happiness into our lives. And according to studies, it keeps our brains sharp too!

Cats love to hang out in high places. Have you ever seen a cat and wondered how they got there? Being up high makes cats feel secure. Because they’re both predators to small animals and prey to larger animals, they have an instinctual need to see their world from a high vantage point. 

Cats are also amazing jumpers; they’re able to leap up to six times their own height, so they’re often spotted in places that seem impossible to reach. While we don’t necessarily have prey to catch or predators to hide from, we can let our feline friends’ moxie and love for heights inspire us to aim high with our own dreams. Setting big goals gives us something to look forward to and work towards, motivating us to take action! Big goals also expand what we believe is possible, challenge us to step out of our comfort zones, and help build our self-confidence. 

And just as cats sometimes miss their targets, it’s OK if we don’t achieve a big goal- what matters the most is that we took that leap!

Cats only spend their time and energy on the things that matter to them. And when they do something, they’re focused on that thing only. In other words, they live in the moment. When they’re playing, they’re set on catching that toy. When they’re eating, they’re savoring their food. When they’re sunbathing, they’re not thinking about what they’re going to do tomorrow. Humans, on the other hand, are often distracted and multitasking, and we end up missing the amazing things, people, and experiences around us.

Living in the moment increases happiness, reduces stress and anxiety, and even boosts productivity. It can also help us deal with pain more effectively and cope with negative emotions such as fear and anger. 

We can be more present by taking a cue from our feline friends. Close your eyes and just sit quietly. Don’t multitask and focus on one thing at a time. Put down your phone and notice your surroundings. Take a walk outside or do some yoga. Spend time with your favorite people and animals. And of course, don’t forget to pet a cat. 

Every June is Adopt a Cat Month, and many cats are still waiting in shelters and fosters for their forever homes. If you’re looking to add more wisdom and happiness to your life, consider bringing home your very own feline to get some paws on training in how to live a pawmazing life!

Insuring your cat as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.