All the Important Life Lessons I Know, I've Learned From My Cat

I grew up the third of four children, and as I grew, I learned to avoid conflict at all cost. Before I knew it I was an adult, and my over-concern for people-pleasing was getting me into trouble. I was exhausted, emotionally drained, and close to burnout in almost every aspect of my life. Enter Scout.

Not only does this kitten have clear boundaries, but he communicates them well. If he doesn't want to be picked up, he will let you know. If he is done hanging out, then boy, he is done hanging out. Scout is clear on what he does and doesn't want, and he makes it known in a way that is impossible to ignore. By watching his example, I discovered that setting boundaries isn't selfish. In fact, it saves everybody a lot of grief and wasted effort. Now, I set boundaries just like Scout. Though usually with less meowing and fewer scratches.

Just as with setting boundaries, I'm not always great at telling people when I need something, whether that be overall life advice or assistance opening a tough pickle jar. Luckily, I have a perfect example in my young friend. Scout does NOT hesitate to inform me when he needs something . . . even if it's 5 a.m.

Scout recognizes that no one is going to read his little cat brain, so he makes it abundantly clear when he is hungry or thirsty or grumpy. And furthermore, he tells me what he needs. Sometimes by simply running between me and his food dish until I finally take the hint.

As a human being, I am coming to terms with the fact that other people cannot read my mind. If I need something, it is my responsibility to let the people around me know.

Like many people, I sometimes am of the mindset that resting is a waste of time. I feel the need to constantly be doing something, otherwise I feel lazy and dissatisfied. Mr. Scout, on the other hand, can and does sleep up to 16 hours a day, and still finds time for his many important activities (jumping in and out of boxes, washing himself, eating, and typing on his typewriter). In fact, it becomes clear from observing him that Scout can be so active and curious because he prioritizes rest. Just because you're not actively doing something doesn't mean that time is wasted. Rest is important. Take time for a cat nap, preferably with an actual cat.

Scout is a classic cat. He enjoys the simple pleasures in life, whether that's a nice new cardboard box or a sunny patch by the window. It can be easy to get lost in the constant quest for the next greatest thing, but it's important to remember the daily gifts we receive. Taking a deep breath. Smiling at a stranger. Watching the birds circle. There's so much to be grateful for if we can take a moment to recognize our surroundings.

I don't always pay attention to how I'm feeling. Some days I sit for hours in the same hunched attitude forgetting to move or stretch. Scout, however, is teaching me how to prioritize comfort. He stretches every time he gets up, spends minutes finding just the right position when he goes to bed, and generally does what feels good to him.

I know from my brief forays into yoga just how important this work can be. When we listen to our bodies, we have access to a whole knew world of information (even if we don't have tails).

If you struggle with mental health, especially with depression, you know how quickly certain things like hygiene can go out the window. Why should I bother to shower if I can't even get out of the house? I've learned from watching Scout, though, that good hygiene is its own reward. Scout takes great joy in his daily baths, and he'll take them wherever and whenever he wants.

I know when I take care of my hygiene, even if I'm depressed, it makes me feel better. Simple things like flossing or taking a shower can improve my mood dramatically and make it easier for me to go about my day.

As I grow older, I sometimes struggle with the feeling that I've already experienced everything I'm going to experience. Maybe I've already seen everything that matters.

Luckily, my dear fluffy kitten is a perfect tonic against this apathy. Everything is interesting to Scout, from a strange new noise to the way the light moves along the wall. Even if he's seen a toy a hundred times before, he still approaches it with a new perspective (often with adorable results). There is always more we can learn from the world. There is new information around every corner, we just have to keep our eyes peeled and our ears perked.

Something else about Scout is that he loves to be in the sink. After a long day of napping, he'll just hop on up and take possession of the porcelain. I don't know why, but he loves it. Scout is not afraid to be himself, even if the rest of the world might think it's odd or doesn't make sense.

It's easy for me sometimes to pretend that I am not who I am or to compromise my eccentricities to ease an awkward situation. But over time, these little sacrifices add up and gradually erode my sense of self. Scout teaches me to believe oddness can be beautiful and that strange can be endearing.

The best part of my day every single day is when I come home and see Scout's paws under the doorway. Scout is always waiting for me, purring and ready for some snuggles. I know Scout loves me even when he's off doing his own thing.

It doesn't have to be a big dramatic gesture, but making daily expressions of love to your loved ones is life-giving. I call my family, send simple text messages to my friends, and go out of my way to make life just a little bit easier for those around me, because I love my people and I don't want a day to go by without them knowing it.

Speaking of which, I'd better go find Scout and give him some pets, because boy, I sure love that cat.