Neil Somerville - Cat Wisdom: 60 great lessons you can learn from a cat

My own and other peoples cats have helped me so much in the compilation of this book, thanks are also due to my family Ros, Richard and Emily for their thoughts and cat reminiscences. A special mention too for my parents, Peggy and Don, who encouraged my love of cats, to my editor at HarperCollins, Carolyn Thorne, for her great enthusiasm, and to Barbara Smith, Joan Moules, Barbara Booker and Rene Scott for their faith and support. To David Finnerty, again it was good to talk cat matters. To you all: thank you as well as to you, the reader, for your interest in Cat Wisdom

Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.

JOSEPH WOOD KRUTCH

W hen a cat wants feeding it will leave you in no doubt about what it wants. Whether its 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, dont 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.

A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing about like mad at nothing whatever, and generally stopping before it gets there.

AGNES REPPLIER

O ne curious behaviour of many a cat is to suddenly go for a mad dash around the room, first hurtling in one direction, then in another, before finally coming to a halt and returning to its more normal and placid state.

A reason cats do this is to help them release pent-up energy, particularly if theyve been inactive for any length of time. In our own lives, there can be days when we dont get much physical activity and our energy levels build up, sometimes causing restlessness and problems getting to sleep. Like cats, we too need to give ourselves the chance to release some of our excess energy. Going for a walk, exercising or carrying out any physical activity that requires a bit of exertion can often leave you feeling more relaxed and less stressed.

Like a cat, when you have too much energy, it can be helpful to let off steam.

You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.

JANE PAULEY

E ach day a cat will spend about twelve to sixteen hours in blissful slumber. While asleep, the cat not only rests, but also builds up energy, ready for the rigours ahead.

Although our own sleep needs are different, like the cat we must not forget the value of sleep. Sleep allows us to unwind, assimilate thoughts and digest happenings, and prepares us mentally and physically for the day ahead. Its essential to our well-being, and yet with the demands of modern-day life it can be tempting to cut back on sleep and keep long hours. Depriving ourselves of the rest our bodies need, however, can start to have a debilitating effect. Like a cat, we need to recognise the importance of sleep and how it not only helps our general health and mood, but also allows us to be more alert, productive and energised.

Do not ignore the value of sleep something a cat knows all too well.

Intelligence in the cat is underrated.

LOUIS WAIN

M any a cat has pleaded for food and then, when it has been placed in its bowl, thought better of it and walked away. Occasionally the cat will relent and return for a nibble, but sometimes it will hold out until its served something better. The cat knows that it is not always best to take what is offered first time, but rather to check what else is available and then decide.

We too can use this waiting strategy to good effect. If something is offered, rather than accept it without quibble, take time to think about what is actually being offered, whether its what you want, what it entails and whether it could be bettered. Sometimes it can, sometimes it cant, but as the cat knows, it can sometimes be worth buying that extra time and enjoying the benefits that patience and self-control can bring.

If stretching were wealth, the cat would be rich.

AFRICAN PROVERB

W hen a cat rouses after a rest or nap, it often enjoys a good stretch. This not only helps to get its muscles moving again and improve circulation; it also readies the cat for any activities ahead.

Stretching can be highly beneficial, and with many of us sitting still for long periods during the day, an occasional stretch can help reinvigorate us, provide relief for stiff muscles and improve posture, flexibility and well-being. Cats stretch for a good reason and there is much to be gained from incorporating this practice into your day and finding out more about routines and exercises that could be beneficial.

Cats can be cooperative when something feels good, which, to a cat, is the way everything is supposed to feel as much of the time as possible.

ROGER A. CARAS

A cat, like all of us, enjoys a good reward. If being trained to go through a cat flap, a tasty morsel could be the temptation it needs. Similarly, knowing that, when called, its likely to receive some food, the cat will be keen to comply. Its worth making the effort for the reward.

So it is with us. The prospect of an inducement can help spur us on, and when there is something you want to achieve, it is worth keeping in mind the end result and the rewards that can come from your actions. For a cat, food can be inducement enough, while for us the potential rewards that can come from good and determined effort can be almost limitless.

Cats are living adornments.

EDWIN LENT

A cat spends a long time grooming, and for good reason. It helps to keep its fur clean and also maintains its protection against the elements. In addition, if recently stroked or handled, a good lick will help to smooth its fur as well as replace human odour with its own. The cat takes great care and pride in itself, and benefits from the process.

This applies to us as well. By paying attention to ourselves our hygiene, appearance and clothes it not only helps to make us feel better physically, but also leaves us more confident in ourselves. As with the cat, a thorough groom can help us look good, but it can also be good for our body and our self-esteem.

As has often been said, Appearance counts, and looking good does good in so many ways.

Way down deep, were all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.

JIM DAVIS

T here are many accounts of cats who have become separated from their home and have trekked vast distances to return.

To start on such a quest requires great courage and the cat must know that if it is ever to reach its destination, it must face many risks.

In our own lives there can also be times when we are desperate to accomplish something and, like the cat, must venture far out of our comfort zone to achieve it. Yes, it will take courage, but if we are to stand any chance of getting what we want, journey we must.