They might not speak the same language, but our cats can teach us a lot about life without saying a word. They're independent, sure of themselves, and always make time for self-care – three qualities most people strive towards.
Dr. Sham Singh, a psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, says: "Watching our pets' behaviors can give us a new life perspective concerning personal independence and boundary settings. Cats do not feel the need to accommodate others or overexert themselves, and we can also find that balance in being present, protective of our time and energy, having healthier relationships, and better mental wellbeing."
A third of pet parents say that caring for their animals has inspired them to take better care of themselves, according to a study by Insure Your Paws.
As we head into the New Year, I've rounded up everything my cats Chilli and Nala taught me in 2024 (whether they meant to or not):
1. Be proud of your achievements...even if no one else is
If you've ever watched a squirrel run up a tree, then you'll know how quickly they move and how hard they must be to catch. I wasn't impressed when Chilli brought this poor little guy through our cat flap, but it would have taken some serious speed and skill.
Despite my disapproval, he showed it off to Nala with pride and didn't care what I had to say (pictured below). While I won't be catching squirrels anytime soon, we should all give ourselves more recognition for the things we achieve.
2. Make time for rest and relaxation
Nothing gets in between Nala and her naptime, which is something us humans could learn from. With busy lives and demanding schedules, it's easy to put relaxation on the back burner, but it's always important to make time for yourself. If you're wondering, 'Why do cats sleep so much?' this feature has the answer.
3. Set boundaries
Just like his name suggests, Chilli is a feisty one and if you've crossed his boundary, he'll let you know about it. When he's sitting on his special chair in the kitchen, we know not to touch him... or we can expect a nasty scratch in return! Don't worry, I won't go around scratching people when they've crossed a line, but setting boundaries is always a good thing.
4. Slow down and practice mindfullness
Our digital world is full of constant noise and notifications, and multitasking has become the norm. Cats are great at living in the present and focusing on one thing at a time (usually eating or sleeping), which is something I admire about them. Cuddling my cats is the easiest way for me to switch off and focus on the moment.
5. Express your needs unapologetically
My cats express their needs unapologetically – whether they're crashing through my parent's bedroom at 3am to demand cuddles, or begging for the best cat food when they've only just been fed. They know what they want and I respect it (even if they are a nuisance!)
You might also want to read: 32 funny things cats do and pet horoscopes for 2025.
Dr. Sham Singh is a Harbor UCLA-trained psychiatrist who approaches mental health holistically. His unique approach places an emphasis on medication management and analyzing lifestyle modifications to achieve peak performance of the brain. He is experienced in treating a wide variety of conditions ranging from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to depression, anxiety, and OCD.
