5 Lessons on Peace I Learned from My Cat Soleil

Cats are incredible creatures that make excellent companions. Sigmund Freud once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” I agree. Their majestic, independent and self-sufficient personalities are truly to be respected. More often than not, when I find myself frantically rushing to make a deadline, I catch my cat Soleil quietly sitting and watching me. She rarely seems stressed, frequently naps under rays of sunshine and never misses a meal. After years of living under her reign, I’ve learned and adopted five of her most peaceful habits that I will share with you.

1. Cats understand comfort is key.

Make your surroundings comfortable and peace will follow. Cats have mastered the art of comfort and they know it. Take a look around a cat lover’s home and you will most likely find a relaxed and content companion. Beautiful garden views with access to bird watching, large plush pillows, and relaxing back massages are favorites in Soleil’s repertoire of kitty comforts.

2. Cats understand that naps are good.

Cats sleep almost all day with intermittent bouts of play and activity. They are considered crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.  On the contrary, living in a fast-paced, high-tech society has had caused many Americans to suffer from sleep deprivation. The National Sleep Foundation reported that a 20- to 40-minute nap can improve mood, alertness and performance. Imagine how much kinder many of us would be if we took a nap. Next time you have a break, try a cat nap and watch your wellbeing increase.

3. Cats understand that money can’t buy happiness.

I’ve purchased a cornucopia of cat toys from expensive pet boutiques to amuse Soleil. Of course, in true cat fashion, she finds more joy playing inside a paper bag and swatting at my ponytail palm tree. As a materialistic society, we see images bombarded every day on television and on social media. Cats are an honest reminder that true happiness comes from within.

4. Cats understand self-love.

Cats are some of the most confident animals I know.  Whether they are perching on a windowsill, sashaying across the room or effortlessly leaping from a ledge, they do it with grace and pride. They pause in front of an antique mirror to admire their beauty before moving on to more stately affairs. I often feel the soft purring I hear Soleil emit during her grooming sessions are words of affection and affirmation. We should strive each day to love ourselves as our cats do.

5. Cats don’t sweat the small stuff.

When it comes to living life, cats are notorious for keeping the peace. When possible they choose the path of practicality and least resistance. They avoid confrontations and are happy to remove themselves from stressful situations in exchange for a tranquil atmosphere.  We should do the same.

Through Soleil’s feline teachings I have found immeasurable happiness and peace.  So on this day, I wish the same for you.

You can ask Dr. Jasmine your pet question or email your pet photo to drjasmine@theskanner.com.