Felines are amazing creatures that are a pleasure to spend time with. They are independent yet loving and active yet lazy, and most importantly, they can improve our quality of life as time goes on. So, what specific things can cats teach us? Just for starters, here are important life lessons that we humans can learn from cats.
The 9 Important Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cats
1. Self-Care Is Important
If you spend enough time observing your cat’s behavior, you will find that they spend a great deal of time grooming and taking care of themselves. Their impressive hygiene habits are something to make an example of. They want to stay in top form as much as possible. This helps ensure that they are always feeling their best so they can maintain their comfort and confidence.
Image By: Vika hova, Shutterstock
2. Be Independent But Learn to Trust
Cats are naturally independent creatures, but they learn how to trust their companions over time. We humans can make examples of these characteristics to help foster and encourage solid community support as a whole. Being independent in terms of caring for yourself and your family is a good thing, but it is also important to learn how to trust your friends, family, and neighbors whenever possible.
3. Learn How to Release Your Frustrations
Cats are notorious for accumulating pent-up energy, which typically leads to being frustrated and then trying to get rid of that frustration through activities like shredding the curtains, attacking the furniture, and ruining the carpet. We can take a lesson from our felines and make sure we find a way to release our frustrations before they become so explosive that we end up destroying our own property. Heading to the gym, getting out for a hike, and playing a sport with friends are all great ways to get rid of that frustration that you might be feeling.
4. Embrace Unconditional Love
Cats have a knack for offering unconditional love once they trust a person. They are also likely to forgive you when you don’t seem to hold up your end of the bargain. For example, while your cat lovingly and ceremoniously wakes you up each morning for work, they are not likely to hold it against you if you don’t make it home in time to feed them according to their regular dinner schedule. Instead, they will eat late and forget about the incident by the next morning. This helps keep stress levels down and ensures a happier life overall.
Image Credit: Oleg Ivanov, Unsplash
5. Stay Present in the Moment
Cats teach us to stay present in the moments that we are experiencing. Felines do not get caught up in the past or the future for the most part. There are a few exceptions, of course, like when a feline has experienced trauma in some way, but for the most part, cats live in the moment.
While we cannot always live in the moment if we want to keep our lives together, we can certainly work on doing so in our downtime. Instead of worrying about bills or stressing over something that has happened in the past, we can be present and allow ourselves to experience the stillness and peace of the moment whenever we have the opportunity to do so.
6. Don’t Overlook the Need for Rest
One of the most prominent things that people notice about cats is their knack for napping. Felines spend most of their time snoozing and maintaining their energy. Their hearty sleeping patterns help keep them lean, strong, and agile. As humans, we need just as much rest as anything else in our lives to stay happy and healthy. So, it’s a good idea to take your cat’s lead (at least occasionally) and join them in a nap when they sprawl out beside you.
7. Grooming Is Essential
Cats do not like to be unkempt, so they spend a great deal of time grooming themselves. Those that don’t make grooming a priority tend to look more disheveled and less attractive, which gives us a clue of how we might be perceived if we put our own grooming on the back burner. Well-groomed cats tend to have smoother, more vibrant coats and a healthier look overall. We humans want glowing skin and a healthy persona, and we might have an easier time achieving these things if we make grooming an essential priority in our lives.
Image Credit: ErikGlez, Shutterstock
8. Maintain Awareness of Your Surroundings
While cats can be clumsy from time to time, they are extremely aware of their surroundings and act accordingly for the most part. They know when it’s okay to relax and when it’s necessary to stay alert. They can anticipate what might happen and be prepared to respond. By maintaining an awareness of our surroundings, we can learn to do the same things and avoid problems while inviting new opportunities into our lives.
9. Make a Point to Soak Up the Sun
Getting regular exposure to sunlight helps ensure that your body produces enough vitamin D to stay healthy as the years pass. Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and has anti-inflammatory properties that are vital for strong immune health. Just remember to wear plenty of sunscreen!
Conclusion
There are many things that our cat companions can teach us. By taking a step back and observing our cat’s behaviors and habits, we can mimic their actions to improve our own lives!
Featured Image Credit: Zenza Flarini, Shutterstock
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens.
Ragdoll and Siamese cats may sometimes be confused, especially those with similar coat colors. Yet, aside from their aesthetic similarities, these two breeds...
Tabby cats are among the most popular felines. They’re known for their distinctive patterns capped by M-shaped stripes on their foreheads. The Tabby...
Some of the habits of our feline friends can perplex us as cat parents, which raises questions about their eating, sleeping, or grooming habits. For instance, even though your cat has a full and accessible water bowl, you’ll sometimes catch...
If your cat has diarrhea, should you always see a vet? What if your cat has diarrhea but seems fine? Let's look at why cat diarrhea happens and what to do....
Cats are curious creatures. Their behavior can be hard to decipher, but some actions are clearer than others. For example, if your cat stretches one of their paws forward and lays the other paw over the top, crossing it, they’re...
When it seems like your cat’s fur is coming out in clumps or you’re finding little fluffy tumbleweeds everywhere all of a sudden, it can be worrisome. In most cases, shedding is just part of being a cat. It’s a...
As a proud cat owner, you certainly only want what’s best for your precious little pet. When the temperature outside drops, you probably pull out your blankets and sweaters to keep warm. But what about your cat? If you’re wondering...
It can feel alarming when you’re petting your cat, and your fingers suddenly come across a small bump on their skin. However, not all bumps are the same, and some are completely benign. Cats can start to develop bumps and...
Cats are interesting animals, which is one reason why they’re enjoyed as household companions by humans from all walks of life throughout the world. One quirk that many cats have is a fascination with sitting on our desks whether we’re...
If you’ve recently seen your cat gagging, you may wonder what causes it and whether you should be concerned. Gagging is a confusing term, as it can mean different things to different people. Short of boring you with medical definitions,...
9 Important Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cats
Felines are amazing creatures that are a pleasure to spend time with. They are independent yet loving and active yet lazy, and most importantly, they can improve our quality of life as time goes on. So, what specific things can cats teach us? Just for starters, here are important life lessons that we humans can learn from cats.
The 9 Important Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cats
1. Self-Care Is Important
If you spend enough time observing your cat’s behavior, you will find that they spend a great deal of time grooming and taking care of themselves. Their impressive hygiene habits are something to make an example of. They want to stay in top form as much as possible. This helps ensure that they are always feeling their best so they can maintain their comfort and confidence.
2. Be Independent But Learn to Trust
Cats are naturally independent creatures, but they learn how to trust their companions over time. We humans can make examples of these characteristics to help foster and encourage solid community support as a whole. Being independent in terms of caring for yourself and your family is a good thing, but it is also important to learn how to trust your friends, family, and neighbors whenever possible.
3. Learn How to Release Your Frustrations
Cats are notorious for accumulating pent-up energy, which typically leads to being frustrated and then trying to get rid of that frustration through activities like shredding the curtains, attacking the furniture, and ruining the carpet. We can take a lesson from our felines and make sure we find a way to release our frustrations before they become so explosive that we end up destroying our own property. Heading to the gym, getting out for a hike, and playing a sport with friends are all great ways to get rid of that frustration that you might be feeling.
4. Embrace Unconditional Love
Cats have a knack for offering unconditional love once they trust a person. They are also likely to forgive you when you don’t seem to hold up your end of the bargain. For example, while your cat lovingly and ceremoniously wakes you up each morning for work, they are not likely to hold it against you if you don’t make it home in time to feed them according to their regular dinner schedule. Instead, they will eat late and forget about the incident by the next morning. This helps keep stress levels down and ensures a happier life overall.
5. Stay Present in the Moment
Cats teach us to stay present in the moments that we are experiencing. Felines do not get caught up in the past or the future for the most part. There are a few exceptions, of course, like when a feline has experienced trauma in some way, but for the most part, cats live in the moment.
While we cannot always live in the moment if we want to keep our lives together, we can certainly work on doing so in our downtime. Instead of worrying about bills or stressing over something that has happened in the past, we can be present and allow ourselves to experience the stillness and peace of the moment whenever we have the opportunity to do so.
6. Don’t Overlook the Need for Rest
One of the most prominent things that people notice about cats is their knack for napping. Felines spend most of their time snoozing and maintaining their energy. Their hearty sleeping patterns help keep them lean, strong, and agile. As humans, we need just as much rest as anything else in our lives to stay happy and healthy. So, it’s a good idea to take your cat’s lead (at least occasionally) and join them in a nap when they sprawl out beside you.
7. Grooming Is Essential
Cats do not like to be unkempt, so they spend a great deal of time grooming themselves. Those that don’t make grooming a priority tend to look more disheveled and less attractive, which gives us a clue of how we might be perceived if we put our own grooming on the back burner. Well-groomed cats tend to have smoother, more vibrant coats and a healthier look overall. We humans want glowing skin and a healthy persona, and we might have an easier time achieving these things if we make grooming an essential priority in our lives.
8. Maintain Awareness of Your Surroundings
While cats can be clumsy from time to time, they are extremely aware of their surroundings and act accordingly for the most part. They know when it’s okay to relax and when it’s necessary to stay alert. They can anticipate what might happen and be prepared to respond. By maintaining an awareness of our surroundings, we can learn to do the same things and avoid problems while inviting new opportunities into our lives.
9. Make a Point to Soak Up the Sun
Getting regular exposure to sunlight helps ensure that your body produces enough vitamin D to stay healthy as the years pass. Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and has anti-inflammatory properties that are vital for strong immune health. Just remember to wear plenty of sunscreen!
Conclusion
There are many things that our cat companions can teach us. By taking a step back and observing our cat’s behaviors and habits, we can mimic their actions to improve our own lives!
Featured Image Credit: Zenza Flarini, Shutterstock
Contents
Want content like this delivered to you?
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat
* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)
Help us improve Catster for pet parents!
Your feedback really matters.
What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?
Authored by
Rachael GerkensmeyerJoin the conversation
Talk With A Vet Online
Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime
Affordable vet advice
Ragdoll vs Siamese Cat: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)
Ragdoll and Siamese cats may sometimes be confused, especially those with similar coat colors. Yet, aside from their aesthetic similarities, these two breeds...
Why Do Cats Sneak Around? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior
Our favorite furry phantoms are famous for their insane stealth skills that could put a ninja to shame, but have you ever stopped...
7 Best Cat Toys in Canada in 2025 – Reviews & Tops Picks
You know it just as we do: cats are exceptional companions! Indeed, even if they were tamed thousands of years ago, our pet...
10 Best Pet Insurance for Cats (2025) – Unbiased Cost & Coverage Comparison
Pet insurance is a controversial topic. Some people feel that it’s pointless, but those who use it know how handy it can be...
More related
12 Vet-Approved Homemade Cat Treat Recipes (With Instructions)
We all like to over-indulge once in a while, and sometimes, we would like to indulge our cats as well. Most cats are...
10 Types of Tabby Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)
Tabby cats are among the most popular felines. They’re known for their distinctive patterns capped by M-shaped stripes on their foreheads. The Tabby...
16 Vet-Verified Tips for Moving House With a Cat
Moving to a new house can be a hugely daunting undertaking. It is usually associated with several other big life changes, such as...
Can Cats Get Winter Blues? 5 Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips
Almost everyone feels a bit down sometimes in the winter. However, the winter blues are more than just feeling gloomy. The medical term...
Keep reading
Why Do Cats Sometimes Drink Dirty Water? Vet-Verified Reasons, Risks & Prevention Tips
Some of the habits of our feline friends can perplex us as cat parents, which raises questions about their eating, sleeping, or grooming habits. For instance, even though your cat has a full and accessible water bowl, you’ll sometimes catch...
Cat Diarrhea: Causes & Care Guide (Vet Answer)
Why Does My Cat Cross Their Front Paws? Does This Mean They Feel Relaxed?
Cats are curious creatures. Their behavior can be hard to decipher, but some actions are clearer than others. For example, if your cat stretches one of their paws forward and lays the other paw over the top, crossing it, they’re...
Why Is My Cat Shedding All of a Sudden? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
When it seems like your cat’s fur is coming out in clumps or you’re finding little fluffy tumbleweeds everywhere all of a sudden, it can be worrisome. In most cases, shedding is just part of being a cat. It’s a...
How to Tell if a Cat Is Cold – 5 Vet Approved Signs to Look For
As a proud cat owner, you certainly only want what’s best for your precious little pet. When the temperature outside drops, you probably pull out your blankets and sweaters to keep warm. But what about your cat? If you’re wondering...
Skin Tags on Cats: Vet-Reviewed Causes, Care, & FAQ
It can feel alarming when you’re petting your cat, and your fingers suddenly come across a small bump on their skin. However, not all bumps are the same, and some are completely benign. Cats can start to develop bumps and...
Why Does My Cat Sit and Sleep on My Desk? 8 Possible Reasons
Cats are interesting animals, which is one reason why they’re enjoyed as household companions by humans from all walks of life throughout the world. One quirk that many cats have is a fascination with sitting on our desks whether we’re...
Why Is My Cat Gagging? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
If you’ve recently seen your cat gagging, you may wonder what causes it and whether you should be concerned. Gagging is a confusing term, as it can mean different things to different people. Short of boring you with medical definitions,...