I’ve lived with three cats for a while now.
You might say I’m a crazy cat lady in training, and I’m fine with that. If I wasn’t limited by budget, time, and space, I’d probably have a few bunnies, a huge aquarium, a parrot, and a hedgehog rolling around too.
From my vantage point of working and living with cats, I’ve noticed there’s a lot we can learn from these intelligent, affectionate-yet-choosy creatures. Here are five things your cat wishes you knew about success:
1) Always be curious. They say curiosity kills the cat, and I’m sure that’s been true a few times, but more often than not, it helps them succeed. Cats find all manner of things because they’re curious: a tasty snack that’s not meant for them, a new toy (that also wasn’t meant for them), a cozy place to sleep that has more sunlight, the best lookout spot in the house. While I don’t recommend taking things that aren’t yours, there’s something to be said for being curious. So take a lesson from your cat and try something new.
2) Ignore criticism that doesn’t work for you. Have you ever tried to tell a cat it can’t do something? Exactly. Follow the same principle when someone says you’ll never find a better job.
3) Choose your allies wisely. Cats get a bad rap because they don’t love everyone, like dogs do. But that doesn’t mean they’re cold–it means they’re selective. And you should be selective when it comes to who you spend your time with too. Life is short. Spend it with the people you love the best.
4) Embrace work-life balance with both paws hands. Ask any cat, and they will tell you life’s not just about work. After a busy few minutes of hunting, guarding the house or playing, your cat will happily break for a snack or some cuddles. Which is as it should be. When was the last time you saw a stressed-out cat?
5) Get enough sleep. Some cats sleep for twenty hours a day! You just need seven. Doesn’t sound so impossible now, does it?
What’s the best advice about success you’ve ever received? What does your pet wish you knew?
You have some very smart kitties. I love this!
Thanks, Elle! They do appreciate the finer things in life.
My cat would probably say that I don’t realize that she has me wrapped around her little paw…But she totally does ;0))))
She’s 19 and a half and still spry (at times).
I will always have a cat in my life. She’s independent yet knows when cuddling up is a good thing…
Hey Lisa,
Good to see you again! Welcome back.
You’re very lucky to have had your kitty for 19 years. I lost my first baby at 12. 🙁 Still miss him.
They’re amazing animals. We’re very lucky they share their lives with us. What other wild animals were so willing to let themselves be “domesticated?”
Thanks for commenting! Hug that kitty for me.
Even though I own a dog, I can learn something from this post.
Thanks, Steve. That’s the beauty of cats…as long as someone is willing to share their wisdom, everyone can benefit!
Now, what would your dog tell us?
Showing people that you appreciate them goes a long way to reciprocal actions? Enthusiasm is attractive? Sitting there and looking cute will get your belly rubbed? Yeah…
All good lessons, except maybe for the last one. No matter how cute I may look, I don’t want anyone rubbing my belly!
I like #2!!! Very true.
Thanks, Stephanie! Cats are great at ignoring people.
I have a cat too and he would surely subscribe everything you said 🙂
Cats are amazing animals. We do have a lot to learn from them.
Welcome to my blog, Sarah, and thanks for commenting!
I agree. They’re so much smarter than most people give them credit for.