Just before the cold snap in October, our family adopted a kitten who had spent the first six weeks of her life in a lumber pile. Acquiring a kitten was not really part of our plan, and as a person who has only ever taken in adult strays, I frankly had no idea the commitment of energy or the depth of love I was in for. There are times, usually involving the cleaning of bodily fluids or the patching up of cat scratches, when I occasionally regret this decision.
However, for the most part I have begun to recognize our new addition as a skilled Zen master, and I am her humble student. Join me in an exploration of the mindful principles bestowed by our feline companions.
Embracing silliness
For some reason cats have the special ability to inspire absolutely ridiculous behavior in otherwise completely sane people. It took a few days to decide on a name we could all agree on: Roxie.
We called her that for about a week before the nicknames began, and they just keep coming. Apparently this is not unusual, and, in my anecdotal research, I’m learning that most cats end up with extremely lengthy official names, in addition to a slew of nicknames. At this point our 4-month-old kitten’s full name is Roxie Beedoo Hartterson, and her nicknames include Mittens, Muffin, Monkey and Little Bitey Pants.
Additionally, her sweet looks and cat behaviors inspire the singing of silly songs about whatever adorable or ornery thing she is doing at the moment. Turns out playfulness is a basic tenet of cat ownership that is healthy and helpful in shifting our thoughts toward positivity and increasing love and connection hormones.
Cat nap connoisseur
Countless times since our kitten adoption, my children have asked me for snacks or help finding something while I’m marooned under a sleeping cat, and I whisper, “I can’t get up; the cat is sleeping on me.”
I’m typically the kind of person who struggles to sit down; I’ve always got something to do. I drive my family crazy because I need to start the dishwasher, put the clothes in the dryer and do three other tasks before we can actually push play on movie night. However, in the last few months of kitten ownership I’ve learned there is nothing more important than taking a feline-induced timeout; it’s an invitation to embrace the rejuvenating power of rest and connection.
The soothing symphony of purring
There’s something special about the vibrations your contented little kitten shares with you when she’s feeling safe and loved. Science tells us a cat’s purr can lead to the release of endorphins and other joy-inducing hormones.
This therapeutic hum has been researched, and several studies have shown the frequency of a cat’s purr can help decrease stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, reduce pain and support bone health. Just one more reason to worship at the feet of her holiness, Lil’ Mittens.
Play more
I’ll be the first to admit I’d really forgotten the necessity and benefits of play until we brought a kitten home. This little girl loves to jump, pounce, bite and bunny-kick for what seems like hours.
At first I was exhausted and worried that somehow we had gotten an extra-sassy cat, but my research led me to understand that cats are both skilled predators and prey. Cats have a strong instinct for rough play, which helps them learn the skills they will need to become adorable killing machines while also being able to fight off larger animals who may want to eat them.
We have learned to prioritize play, turning every cardboard box into a cat fort, purchasing ridiculous new toys and engaging in kitten whimsy to properly hone Roxie’s skills.
Mistakes are purrfectly normal
Pets in general, but specifically cats with their penchant for knocking things off surfaces while looking you straight in the eye, are great reminders that messiness is a part of life and unconditional love is the greatest gift we can give another.
You cannot have relationships or take part in the human experience without breaking stuff and pooping the bed. I mean that literally: Roxie defecated on the bed the other day, and I still love her dearly. We learned a good deal from that big oops, and I even made up a little song about it.
With the addition of a kitten to the family, we frequently reflect about the fact that messes and mistakes are a part of life, and we keep on loving anyway.
The art of constant self-care
Cats unabashedly prioritize self-care, and there is nothing their human families can do but watch and learn. They rest, bathe, eat treats with abandon, roll in catnip and ignore everyone completely while hiding for hours in an unknown location.
Felines are pros at listening to their body, knowing what they need and not letting much get in the way of their desire to achieve it. I love this so much for my cat that I’m working to follow Roxie’s lead in 2024: transforming self-care from a luxury into a nonnegotiable pillar of mindful living.
Cats offer not just connection, but a profound lesson in embracing the present, living authentically and reveling in the joyous game of life. So, the next time you’re stuck beneath a napping cat or serenading your feline friend with a whimsical tune, remember — you’re not just in the company of a pet; you’re in the presence of a wise and tiny guru.
Petterson lives in Moscow with her husband and their two children. She left public education to become a yoga instructor, sleep specialist and mindful parenting educator. You can contact her and learn more about her yoga classes, sleep programs and parenting classes at kristinepetterson.com.
