5 Lessons I Learned from My Cats

There are lessons to be learned in life all around us, if we pay attention. I have learned a few things from my adopted kitties, Sophe & Boo, and I'd like to share them with you.

Just look at all the wisdom in those eyes. On the left is my Sweet Sophe and on the left my Baby Boo. Both kitties are rescued and are a great source of entertainment and amusement around my house. I have been caring for Sophe since October of 2003 when she showed up tiny, cold and hungry on my front porch. I adopted Boo from a Petsmart Adoption weekend in September of 2011. Here are 5 things that I have learned from my rescue pets.

Stretch

As I get older, I realize that there are aches and pains in this body that I didn't know were necessarily there. Stretching when I wake up in the morning or when I have been sitting for a long period of time, really helps me not feel like I'm 90. Much like my kitties stretch after their naps.

Take Naps

Cats spend about half of their lives napping. Now, I certainly wouldn't suggest that you sleep that much of your life away, but there is certainly something to be said for a Saturday afternoon cat-nap.

Don't Eat Too Much

I tend to overindulge when I sit down to a meal. It's not because I am that hungry, but simply that it's there and I grew up in a house with a "clean your plate" mentality. When I go out to eat, and the plate is huge, I feel like I have to eat it all. My cats, however, know when to walk away. I can fill their bowls, and they will only eat what they need to, and leave the rest for later. Just because it's there, doesn't mean I have to eat all of it.

Play

After taking a nice long nap, it's always fun to see Sophe and Boo chase each other through the house. They take turns chasing and being chased. Boo will also come and stare at me when she wants me to break out her favorite toy. There is something to be said for taking time to just have a little fun.

Love Completely

When you love someone, you show them - everyday. If you're a cat, this may mean head bumps, making biscuits in the lap of your human, or just curling up to sleep next to them, but you do it every day. If you're human, tell the people you care about that you love them - every chance you get. Better yet, show them that you love them with your actions. Just make sure they know that you care and appreciate that they are a part of your life.

Rescue pets have made an amazing difference in my life, and I like to think that I have made a difference in the lives of my pretty kitties. If you are interested in adopting a rescue pet of your own, there are many great shelters and rescues in the Evansville community.