Things we can learn from a cat!

Did you know cats need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day to be healthy?

Sometimes I wish I could do the same. I've woken up this morning all bleary eyed, having had a rubbish night's sleep. To see a couple of my cats blissfully sprawled out on my bed this morning filled me with inane jealousy. Cat's are creatures of habits. Right now Mr Chester is sat almost on my arm purring away like a base drum in my ear, his face inches from my shoulder, staring at me. He knows my morning routine is to sit on the sofa with a mug of black coffee, watching the BBC morning news, slowly letting my body come alive. Every morning I do this, although it can be at various times of the early morning. He's patiently waiting for me to put my arm around him so he can rest his head on it and go back to sleep. Instead I'm writing this blog, so he's having to wait.

Cat's can teach us many things. All animals do. They like to nap. Yep that's a good one. Get plenty of rest. A nap can make you feel much more ready to face the world. Catch fifteen minutes or so and you can be ready to get on with your day again. It can improve brain function and memory,  help you to focus and improve creativity. Hmmmm maybe I can do this at work? Somehow I don't think it would go down that well!

Cat's show lots of love. Ah, now there is nothing like the love of a cat. Regular affection and bonding make the strongest of relationships. Constant checking on your mate/friend/partner can help you to stay close. Purring shows you are happy (though cats can purr when they are in pain) just like our smiles. Cat's play together and stay together. They show appreciation of each other. All things we can do to help build relationships. I must cuddle Neil more!

Cats groom themselves. A bit of a lick and a paw round the ears and they are ready for the world. I find a bit of lipstick and mascara helps me get  ready to face the world. Note to myself, polish my shoes more often!

Cat's notice their surroundings and stay alert, even when sleeping. Last year I learnt all about Mindfulness and meditation. It really helped me to relax and think about what was going on right in the moment rather than the 'what if's'. Appreciating my surroundings and what is happening, really focusing, has helped me overcome a few things. Cat's do that all the time. 

Stretching. A good stretch does the body the world of good. Ever seen a cat stretch? The bliss and joy they obviously feel shows in their whole body. It helps them keep flexible and does the same for us. Just tell my body that when it doesn't want to work! Horrible arthritis!!

Be patient. It will happen. It will come to you. Cat's are incredibly patient, unless they only have a half filled food bowl. Then they are not! But being patient can help you cope with all the little knocks you get in life. Neil and I are having a bit of a knock right now but I know it will pass. I just need to know it will pass soon if I am honest *sigh*.

Cat's are curious. Be curious. They always want to see what is happening, and know what is going on. I'm obviously a cat......I want to know about everything. At work I am known for often asking questions. I like to know why, when, what if, all sorts. I learn so much and love talking to people. Yes, I must be a cat!

Eat well. I will confess Hugo eats pretty much anything at any time, which is getting him a little pot belly. I need to keep an eye on that. I need to keep an eye on my pot belly too. I should learn from Mr Dylan who will only eat his own nourishing cat food full of all the necessary vitamins and minerals, and maybe has the odd treat of a bit of beef now and again. He's choosy about what treat he has too. A lesson learned......less cake, more balance for me. Dylan is sleek and fit. Hmmmm. 

Look before you leap. A cat always does this. They may not always get it right, as Murphy shows when he aims for the table and doesn't quite make it. But he has assessed the situation and yep, if we do that too, even if we fail at least we've done the ground work. Cat's will try and try again too. Keep positive and push yourself. You'll get there in the end. (Murphy does....)

Just watch the animals around us. We can learn so much from them. They live in harmony. Oh yes, they do have the odd spat but tend to get over it quickly. There is always the odd rogue one, but on the whole animals can show us how to live in harmony and peace. Maybe our politicians could learn a lesson or two from them!!