6 Life Lessons You Can Learn from a Cat

Believe it or not, your cat can teach you something about life. Sure, they appear to be spoiled and lazy balls of fur and their lessons are by products of their everyday living. But I have to admit, I have learned six important life lessons from hanging out with my cat, Pumpkin.

Lesson One: Always Be Groomed to Perfection

Pumpkin spends a great deal of time working on his appearance by grooming. My cat rarely goes anywhere yet he is always ready for unexpected company and attention. I however only get dressed up for work and outings. At home, my uniform of choice is black yoga pants and a grey sweat shirt. When there is an unexpected knock on the door, I go into a panic. I am not in any condition to accept visitors. Pumpkin however looks spectacular and eagerly waits by the door for the company to come in.

Lesson Two: It Is Okay to Hide from Unwanted Company

While Pumpkin usually gets to the door to greet visitors before I do, he avoids my sister's kids like the plague. My cat first greeted them at the door as usual. He seemed interested in the five of them until they chased him into a corner screaming, yelling and poking at him. He cowered for a while and then ran to the closet first chance he got. Now when Pumpkin hears my sister's kids, he makes a bee line to the hid behind a coat. Pumpkin knows it is okay to hide from unwanted company and there is no shame in pretending not to be home.

Lesson Three: Life Is Too Short to Hold a Grudge

Pumpkin was not too thrilled when my husband and I came home with Lik-er-ish Jelly Bean. My cat did not care to share his house with another cat. Eventually, the two of them became friends. Every now and then, Lik-er-ish Jelly Bean will pounce and play on an uninterested Pumpkin. Pumpkin tries his best to humor her until he reaches the point where he gives her a good paw slapping back. I intervene and pull the two apart. For an hour or so, the two of them pretend not to know each other. By super time, the two of them bump heads and are like two peas in a pod again. Pumpkin knows life is too short to hold a grudge.

Lesson Four: Sometimes It Pays to Brown Nose

Pumpkin is shameless when it comes to cuddling in search of treats. My cat knows that it sometimes it pays to brown nose. He knows if he rubs enough, purrs enough, and plays fetch enough he will be rewarded with a tasty cat treat. Pumpkin is a suck up and he knows it. He knows that sometimes you got to kiss a little butt to get what you want out of life.

Lesson Five: Determination Makes You Successful

My cat is one very determined kitty. When Pumpkin spots a way ward spider, watch out! He will be jumping, climbing, waiting and sitting there for hours. If the spider gets out of reach, he waits patiently until it moves back in to reach. He never gives up. Pumpkin knows determination makes you successful.

Lesson Six: Share Time Together

Pumpkin knows what is important in life at the end of the day: The time shared together. Pumpkin marches right on the sofa and on to the first lap he sees in need of some attention. My cat always takes the time every day to express his love and gratitude to his family. He is never to busy for a head rub or a cuddle.

Take a look at your cats or pets and see what you can learn about life from them. People spend too much time worried about what matters. Often, we miss the obvious. I have learned six life lessons from Pumpkin so far and I am sure I will learn more.