If truth be told, when my cat Mazel showed up five years ago, just after the loss of my beloved dog Havi, I was pondering rescuing a dog. In hindsight, I’ve become acutely aware that God must get a good laugh while we are busy making plans.

I’ve never really given much thought to aligning with an animal’s spirit, one that possesses the qualities and attributes of who I am or aspire to be. If I did, I might imagine that animal to be a doggedly devoted dog or a horse, strong and sturdy when confronted by “neigh” sayers. Other choices might be a sloth, committed with each step of “slowbriety,” or for sure a monkey, playful and spontaneous. Possibly a lion, keeping its pride in check, or a dolphin, taking a risk to leap out of its element without fear. Maybe an elephant who never forgets but can learn to forgive. Or, a bee who can “behive” appropriately when in a sticky situation.

But as I gaze at dozing Mazel, who admittedly was an acquired taste, I am reminded that I have been selectively invited into a cat’s world. Accepting that invitation, I’ve been able to recognize some “purrfectly” imperfect parts of me, and would like to share a few pearls of wisdom I have learned from life with a cat.

Mazel has taught me about boundaries. One doesn’t approach a cat and automatically pet them. As with humans, cats have their own definition of what ‘safe space’ looks like and it’s up to us to honor it. Keep poking a bear (I mean cat) and it could end up a wounding experience.
Have you ever witnessed a relaxed cat, eyes closed with its head propped up? When thoughts race like a cascading waterfall through the human brain, observing a cat in chill mode can reduce overthinking to a trickle. It only takes a few minutes each day to oxygenate the brain by breathing deeply, inhaling relaxation and exhaling tension. Anything catastrophic can wait.
I’m learning that when life is hard, it’s ok to reach for a helping hand, as exemplified by Mazel when we met. He showed up on my doorstep wounded and starving, but mustering as much dignity in the moment as he could. Pain, sadness and hurt can coexist with dignity and integrity. Rather than reacting impulsively, conserve your energy and allow time to heal wounds.
Playtime with Mazel allows me to engage and interact with the lighter side of myself. I “hissterically” watch Mazel with unrelenting zoomies run and stop and return to normal on a dime. I’m sure he gets the last laugh when he jumps out of nowhere and gives me a good scare.
Even when hills feel like mountains and life feels like an uphill climb, Mazel has taught me to land on both feet with a fearless desire to ascend to new heights.

It’s pretty evident that Mazel chose his home and human, but the truest gift I’ve received is how to embrace the unexpected with interest and curiosity, which I’ve learned is very much the true nature of a feline.

Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047.