Cats are considered 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 observing them and being close to them, they become our living Buddha!

“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 hearts to approach life more softly.

Their affectionate behavior teaches us unconditional love, friendship, humbleness, and flexibility. Their stubborn and unique character, to stay true to ourselves and curious about the delightful little pleasures of life.

Never think of a cat as being lazy. Doing nothing is a very enjoyable and stimulating activity. It is the cat’s way of being zen, beautiful, and devoted to himself. Sleep and leisure are required to preserve energy for the necessary duties in life.

Felines communicate differently with humans than with cats.
Their instinct which is a big part of their communication system, is a necessary skill they developed to survive. Therefore, when interacting with cats, we need to stay aware of their eyes, ears, and tails. They will make it clear whether or not they appreciate our presence and behavior. When ignored or disrespected, they will lash out or use one of their innate communication skills to express their feelings. A valuable lesson is to always be aware of their non-verbal communication.

“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, they offer us their friendship, affection, and purrs. Research has proven that owning or being near cats results in being more relaxed, both mentally and physically.
When you are not feeling well, the feline will find your lap and stay there until you feel more at ease. Their soft and velvet fur invites us to pet them and forget our thoughts and worries. While the cat is spinning and indulging in our tender stroking, we rub away our tension.

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 or swelling.
• Healing of muscles, tendons, and ligament injuries. The vibrations are also helpful for healing soft tissue.

If you are not in a situation that allows you to have a cat of your own, spending time at a local shelter or rescue center offers identical 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, and 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!

“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! It is a perfect way to keep the cat owner humble and grounded. They demand regular cleaning of their little toilet. If you ignore this, they will protest, perhaps by leaving their ordure somewhere else in the house. It is a cat’s way of communicating, inviting us to listen with our hearts.

Maintaining healthy and clean fur can give nasty hairballs that need 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. Remember, your house is their territory. With complete confidence, it will scratch its nails on your favorite couch, carpet, or clothes. Ignoring the expensive cat tree you have bought for that purpose. Refrain yourself from getting too excited when purchasing a cat’s toy, as they are often more interested in useless little things and empty boxes.

HUNTER

Underneath the coat of each cat is a hunter hidden, transforming an adorable cat into a fierce fighter. Danger lurks everywhere in a cat’s eyes. With the focus and concentration on catching prey, they will run behind a dead leaf, chase a ping pong ball, or jump on your shoelaces. Demonstrating to us what they are capable of.

Just like humans, no cat is equally ambitious. The ‘relaxed cat’ likes to sleep, eat served food, and live a comfortable life, with no specific goals and without any ambition to rise above themselves. The more ‘adventurous cats are different, teaching us not to limit ourselves by making a leap of faith and reaching 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 our goals and dreams?

BON VIVANT

Cats are real opportunists, always looking for the best sleeping spots, preferably in a warm and comfortable spot. Buying an expensive cat basket does not guarantee they will want to use it. They are independent thinkers and prefer to find their own place, on top of your laundry or a pile of clothes in your wardrobe, in a comfortable seat, and if possible at a warm lap.

The human bed is one of their favorite places to sleep, perfectly fitting their size! Always happily jumping on the bed to find a comfortable place for a long sleep. Miraculously enough, they are very talented in taking up more space for themselves during the night, 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 favorite belongings to get your attention. The more noise it makes, the better. 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, most innocent, and most 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 and for worse, turning our home into a loving, warm, and friendly space.