List of Lessons in Alphabetical Order
For so many of us, cats have a special place in our lives. With their affection, grace, companionship and personality, cats can give us great joy and, in so many ways, they can also teach us – and remind us – of helpful truths. Whether through their traits, the way they so effectively set about things or through our observing and spending time with them, cats demonstrate that they have great wisdom.
In the pages that follow are sixty lessons inspired by the cat.
Enjoy them, think about them, and I very much hope that they may inspire and enrich you in some way.
‘Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.’
JOSEPH WOOD KRUTCH
When a cat wants feeding it will leave you in no doubt about what it wants. Whether it’s meowing loudly, standing in your way or looking pleadingly at the food cupboard, it is virtually impossible to ignore a determined cat. And the cat will keep on at you until you give in.
The cat is well aware of the importance of persisting, and persistence often pays. If there is something you want, don’t keep it to yourself and risk disappointment; be like the cat. Be forthcoming and ask. And ask again if necessary. It is through asking that you are more likely to receive.
‘To please himself only the cat purrs.’
IRISH PROVERB
The cat, the master of the good life, enjoys being pampered. And whether this is by being stroked or given attention, the cat indicates its pleasure with a deep and rhythmic purr. It is a cat’s way of saying ‘Thank you’ and, because we know it is grateful, we tend to carry on with the pampering even longer.
By showing appreciation of what others do, it will please those concerned, as well as make them more likely to respond positively to you again.
Be like the cat: appreciate and acknowledge the favours and kindnesses given to you.
‘No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap.’
CARRIE SNOW
One of the cat’s delights is in taking a catnap. Whether it’s for a few moments
