Pets

Cats can show us how to practice gratitude

Leave a Comment / Pets, Self Care / /

Awhile ago my cat had been meowing for my attention. I was sitting at the computer doing work when I felt him brush against my leg. I gave him some pets here and there, but ultimately my work became my main focus.

Knowing this, my cat decided to jump onto the swivel chair, at first nuzzling my back as I worked, then climbing higher to be in my line of sight. Once again, I gave him a pet here and there but went back to work. He began to whimper.

I started to rush through my work (which ended up creating even worse work) and realized the best way to deal with the issue was to deal with it in that moment. Sliding my laptop away, I scooped him up and repositioned him so that he would be laying against my chest. I held him firmly and began to coo and pet him gently.

My cat, Bruce, watching over my shoulder as I work

By giving him my undivided attention, he began to purr back satisfied that his mother was finally responding to him. I sat there with him, being present in the moment, listening only to his purrs as they filled the silence. I realized then how easy it was to make him happy.

For some cats like mine, just showing you care and giving them that one on one time is appreciated. I felt that his life was really simple then, only asking for food and water as well as love. I began to look at my own life and reflected about the little things that made me happy.

Petting him there, I realize just how rich he and I were and I was grateful to him for showing me that as well. It was almost a sign to stop overworking myself and take a moment to practice gratitude. I recommend it for everyone to practice daily, not only because of this coming holiday but just because it’s good to recognize all the amazing things life has offered and will offer you.

Cats can show us how to practice gratitude Read More »

Pets, Self Care

How to keep a cat happy

Leave a Comment / Pets / /

Is your cat constantly meowing for your attention? Does your cat paw at you when you are busy with work? You give him food, you give him water, you think maybe he has a full litter box. You check, nada. You run around looking for the problem, while your cat follows, his meowing only getting more louder and frequent. You pause and sit down, he perches next to you gently rubbing his head against your side. You give him a couple little scritches (light scratches on his head) and all of sudden the wailing stops. A different sound takes its place. Gentle purring. The sound of a happy cat.

That is how you keep a cat happy. Cats are like people in a way. They have their needs yes, and most of the time, it’s almost as if that’s all a cat really wants from us. You’ve heard the stereotypes of cats who rule their households. How it is their world and we humans are just living in it (the jury is still out on that one), but to a cat, their sustenance comes directly from you. Their affections grow because you are the provider in their small little world. You give them gifts. You make them happy by giving them these small (to us) gifts.

What is your cat’s love language?

Cats bond with their owners, some bonds are stronger than others, but chances are your cat cares enough to see you every day. To make sure you are there at the very least. Some cats aren’t as physically demanding. Some don’t like to be held, some like to be held just enough, and some would rather be smothered with affection. As a cat owner, my cat Bruce is the third, he LOVES affection. So much so that when I am on the phone with another human he will begin meowing conversely.

It’s really easy to make him happy. I simply pick him up and he begins purring. Find out what kind of language your cat is speaking. What does your cat like? I like to think that cats have their own love languages as well. The key to a cat’s heart may be the little laser he loves to chase, maybe it’s a small treat, and maybe it’s cuddles. Get to know your cat, and make that effort to keep them happy. Remember, they may be a small part of our world, but to them, we are their whole world. So give them that time and help them fulfill their own sense of happiness.

How to keep a cat happy Read More »

Pets
Scroll to Top