Cats Teach Us So Much
by Sue Resnick
(Forest Hills, NY)
What I’ve Learned From My Cats By Sue Resnick
We, as human-Americans, think that we are so much smarter than our pets. But, when you think about it, who leads who when we take our canine-Americans out on walkies? And, who gets a belly rub just by purring; or, tells us when it’s time to eat without ever wearing a watch? That’s right: feline-Americans teach us …that they are superior.
1) Feline-Americans (okay, cats) keep us in the moment. Cats make us realize how ridiculous it is to carry a grudge. They may fight with their “fur peer” one minute over kibble, and forget all about the brawl five minutes later. They live in the present. No, they’re not stupid, nor amnesiacs. They just know that carrying a grudge isn’t worth it in life. And they have nine lives, and still won’t waste any of them staying mad.
2) Cats teach us patience. Not that I recommend it, but if you have the chance, watch a cat scope out a mouse (rodent-American). The kitty won’t run and run after the mouse. Instead, it’ll wait and steady itself for a pounce. That teaches us not to waste energy on something that can’t happen. Just wait for the right moment, and you’ll get what you deserve. (Sorry to Mickey, Mighty, Jerry, and all other mice.)
3) Always look attractive. Did you ever notice how big your cat’s eyes get when you open the cabinets where you keep her treats? Or, how she adorably cocks her head when she wants you to pet her? Cats are like supermodels: they can get everything they want by looking beautiful. Next time you need your office buddy to finish a report for you, look pitiful, dewy-eyed and speak softly. They’ll say yes because you look adorable—or they think you have the flu, and they feel bad. Either way, a cat gets a treat, and you get to go home on time.
4) We also learn from cats the importance of eating what they want, the way they want to eat it. How many of us eat whatever’s put in front of us, so that we don’t insult the cook—even if it’s bland, runny, or room temperature? Cats know how their food should taste, and aren’t shy about expressing their culinary expertise. If their can of tuna isn’t a top brand (and, yes, they can read), cats take a sniff and walk away. They’re not being finicky, just playing—and winning at-- a sales take-away. Kitties know that we could never let them starve; humans will then open a new can of food—and then apologize for our stupidity. So, next time you’re served a mediocre meal, refuse the food. Sooner or later, you’ll get another meal …at a different home. We’re not as smart as cats.
5) Felines also teach us the value of sleep. I’m not saying to take a 2pm nap in your cubicle, but we humans don’t sleep enough. You never see a cat wondering if it’s bedtime; they just go to sleep—no worries about bills, boyfriends, or bulges. You get into bed, toss and turn, while Kitty snurrs (snoring and purring at the same time). Learn from your cat: your problems won’t go away while you’re dreaming, but you can be anyone you want with your eyes closed (yes, your buddy dreams he rules the Kingdom of Cats, with you as a royal servant).
6) Most importantly, cats teach us mere humans the meaning of unconditional love. Kitties don’t care if you’re a CEO or a dishwasher; they value your heart, not your wallet. Felines won’t judge you if you don’t go to the gym; they’d rather have you home, eating while they have a snack, too. If you get dumped, they, again, would rather have you all to themselves, enjoying some kibble. And if you have a bad day at work, your cat still loves you. Cats don’t think any less of you; they will love you as you are. After all, they think so highly of themselves—they couldn’t think less of you.
7) Lastly, cats have taught us that being a cat is wonderful—if they have a wonderful human to love them. But, I would never tell my beloved pets that fact, because they are my boss ….Uh, wait, they are meowing for a treat in the kitchen…gotta go….
Comment from kate
love it, thank you for sharing