The Wisdom of Cats

Walking between worlds

Everything you want to know about life you can learn from a cat.

Cats are sovereign, they bow to no ruler.
Dogs (I love them too), but they are slaves to a master.

Cats have keen discernment. They only expose their belly in rare acts of vulnerability when they feel safe.  Your energy talks when you walk in a room and a cat knows instantly how they feel about you. They know. They need not ruminate, second guess or any of that…if only we listened to our instincts in the same way, we’d probably find ourselves in situations more aligned with what is best for us.

Cats, even when lounging, half asleep, or in a playful game of chase-the-red-dot, are always, in a split second, ready to enter warrior mode and go to battle for themselves, their territory, and sometimes their guardian (if they love you).

Cats take no shit and only do harm when there is a mouse around….or something wrong. When cats act out, they are usually trying to communicate in the best way they can, without words, that they need assistance.

Cats balance darkness and light. They are literally the epitome of yin-yang. They know their shadow and don’t sit around and analyze it, it just is. They will kill in defensiveness (and sometimes playfulness as they find a mouse more toy than living being, I guess they were given ONE flaw to keep them from being too perfect) and will purr out healing frequencies that soothe the soul and the bones (literally).

Cats live in a state of balance and harmony, they literally can walk a tightrope, leap incredible heights, slither between places only a supernatural superhero type creature could attempt, and they fall well, they fall like no one else can fall, with grace, unmatched reflexes and a spirit to keep going as they most likely will land on all 4 paws as if nothing ever happened.  If you want to learn how to fall, to fail, and get right back up, learn from a cat.

Cats walk with a paw in both worlds. They show us how to be a bridge between the material and the spiritual. I have 2 indoor cats and I have no idea what they see but at night when I sleep, we trade roles, and they become guardian over me instead of me over them. One cat carefully tries not to disturb me as he finds the perfect spot for night-watch near my shoulder. The other cat nestles at my feet, ready for spiritual stare downs and exchanges into the metaphysical realms.  I wake up to them standing in attention like bookends flanking the bed, quietly, yet eagerly, awaiting my return from dreamland.

Cats prefer moving water because they know the importance of hydration and that the water should be structured, emulating nature’s flowing spring. My outdoor cat has a water bowl, but instead chooses to meander around and find spots where rainwater has collected, where the water has that energetic charge. I know he finds the best water, sometimes a tablespoon collected on a leaf, but he knows…and he also knows that I know, so let there not be a competition where the quenching slurp takes place because I probably won’t win that fight.

Cats know how to survive. One of my cat’s gently pats my face in the morning and sometimes checks to see if breath is coming from my nostrils. He’s prepared to consume me should I no longer be here in spirit and I wouldn’t be mad about it as gross as that sounds. They are resourceful. I’m sure they would have an appropriate mourning period, ha.

Cats choose their guardian. Whether they show up at your door, you find them in a weird place where some asshole dumped them off or you go to a shelter….one thing is certain, they choose you. It’s as if they have a purpose in relation to us, humans, and they know it. I had a 3-legged cat for 17 years and I’ll never forget how I fell in love with him in the window only to realize upon going inside that he had been “showing his good side,” hiding the fact that a front limb was missing.  The sneaky tactic worked and I’m convinced he knew what he was doing!

Speaking of a 3-legged cat, that cat woke up from his mishap and figured out how to run, jump, and play with a front leg missing. He truly inspired me every day.

(and vomit, this image above forgot that key point)

Cats don’t care what anyone thinks and will make friends with people who swear they don’t like cats. Believe me, if you think you’re not a cat person, the cat knows and they will win you over if the opportunity presents itself. They build bridges despite the bad name they get at times and the ridiculous superstitions that surround them.

Cats are authentic, if they don’t want to be touched, they let you know, they want to play they let you know, they want to give or receive love, they let you know. They aren’t afraid to ask for what they need AND they openly express all emotions from anger to bliss, from joy and curiosity to a hiss in defense.

You think you need to sit and write, or get some work done, think again… if the cat decides it wants to fall asleep in your lap, your plans hereby change…they teach us how to remain a bit flexible and be open to change.

Cats set boundaries and you will know when not to breach them…. you’ll go around, they are staying put. They will respect you for your boundaries with them, too, as they like a feisty match of spirit with their comrades, otherwise they will just establish dominance…few do they let in to their field as equals…sound wisdom if you ask me!

Everything comes back to cats, they keep me grounded, in the present moment, remind me to stay joyful and present, it's all about them and I'm here for it.... :)

Cats are resourceful and they don’t ask for much (rather self-sufficient and would-be anarchists). They can turn an old box into a magical playground for months. Find a feather outside, poof, a magical toy that will delight for life!

In ancient times cats have been mummified, deified and sanctified and I think they deserve all of the accolades. Cats are so wise that if they had the gift of speech, they wouldn’t use it as they know it would probably just kill something good or they would find themselves in a constant banter of philosophical debate that would interrupt their naps and we can’t have that!

Cats have personalities as unique to them as each individual human, they are their own true self and we can learn a lot from this fact alone as we un-mask ourselves and find the courage to let more of our true nature come forth into view.

This only scratches the surface, but remember this wisdom granted to us from our furry felines:

• Seek the sun, but don’t be afraid of the dark

• Conserve energy, but be active every day

• Find safe places to rest, but remain vigilant

• Show affection, but only when you feel safe

• Bow to no ruler, but follow the rules of nature

• Protect your territory, but let true friend’s sit at your table from time to time

• Stay playful, but send out a warning hiss if necessary to those who don’t have your best interest in mind

• Be who you are without doubt, but be willing to compromise sometimes for those you love

• Enjoy the material world, but always stay connected with Source

• Walk this world with balance and know that just your being is enough

• Take no shit from anyone and give love fiercely and deeply…snuggles, hugs, kiss foreheads, rub noses

• Embody the empress or emperor inside of you and claim your throne, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because you can (if you want to)

• Curiosity and Courage is The “CatZen” Way

• Drink living water, run around the house regularly and take an afternoon siesta for a healthy body and mind

• Chill the freak out, relax…and also be wild and untamable

Cats are truly sovereign…they are the joker, the fool, the hermit and the king, they are the entire Tarot wrapped up in fur and fangs. Find one to observe and love, bring a notepad, you’ll need it…maybe also pack gloves.

Cats have greatly enhanced and changed my life. I have learned a lot from spending time with them. They have often been my only constant, my saving grace at times, my faithful companions. I am so grateful for their friendship, the gifts they have given me, and the love that pours out between us. Let them be your teacher and they will show you parts of yourself you didn’t know where there.

We think we are the guardian of them, but they walk between worlds far easier than us and bring something incredibly sacred to our existence. All we have to do is open ourselves up to love and they will take that and expand it into forever.

With cattitude and reverence for the majestic loveableness of cats….by the Crazy Cat Lady (aka The Irrational Sage),

~ Angela (and Erwyn, Binx and Isla) #mustlovecats

This was Julius, the 17 year old 3-legged that was truly a Saint and so very wise!

My one eyed cat on the treadmill….she’s a real ninja….

Please buy me a coffee I have a lot of cats to feed! hahahha! :)