Cats are considered to be zen masters, excellent yoga practitioners, loving companions and proven to possess remarkable healing powers. We can learn so much from these beautiful and mysterious house tigers; by just observing them and being close to them, they become our living Buddha’s!

“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”   ~ A.D. Williams

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 and resting are required to preserve energy for the necessary duty in life. Doing nothing, can therefore be a very enjoyable and stimulating 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:

• Lowering stress.
• Decreasing symptoms of dyspnoea in both cats and humans.
• Lowering blood pressure.
• Healing of bones.
• A recent study shows that cat owners have 40% less risk of heart attack.
• Help heal infection of swelling.
• Healing of muscles, tendons and ligament injuries. The vibrations are also helpful for healing soft tissue.

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 those same identified 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 leaf, 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.

BON VIVANT

Cats are real opportunists, always looking for the best spots to sleep, preferably on a warm soft place. Buying an expensive cat basket, does not guarantee that it will be used for this purpose. They are independent thinkers and prefer to find their own place; on top of your laundry or on a pile of clothes in your wardrobe, in a comfortable seat and if possible on a warm lap.

The human bed is by far one of their favourite places to sleep, perfectly fitting their size! Always happily jumping on the bed, finding a comfortable place for a long sleep. Miraculously enough, during the night, they have a special talent to increase space for themselves, preferably ending up in the middle of the bed, the spot they deserve! Upon awakening, you will find yourself on the edge of the bed, nearly tumbling out of it. It’s a cat’s act of self-love and innate grandeur!

Don’t be surprised when they turn over some of your favourite belongings to get your attention. The more noise it makes, the better it is. We humans will never be fast enough to catch them in their act. As soon as you look up, they will stare at you with their calmest, innocent and adorable look, expressing: “Sorry it wasn’t me” or “I don’t know how this happened”. Perhaps one of those typical cat things, we humans will never understand, but makes them so incredibly attractive.

The cat can be our best friend, for better or for worse, turning our home into a loving, warm and friendly space.