Wisdom of a Cat

When I think about lessons I have learned in life, I think about my cat, Shelby. I had Shelby from the time she was 10 weeks old until the time she passed away at age 16. During that time, she and I went through a lot of things and she taught me a lot. I will always remember those lessons.

Be adventurous:

Try to face as many of your fears as possible. Shelby and Tiger used to walk out on the roof all the time. They would go right up to the edge with no fear.

Love Nature:

Enjoy the outdoors. Smell the flowers. Walk through the trees. Walk barefoot. Feel the Earth under your paws (feet). Roll in the dirt.

Make Friends with Everyone

From the time she was a kitten, Shelby would raise her paw and wave. It was the cutest thing. She did this when she wanted to say hi and get your attention. If you didn't pay attention to her she would put her paw on you. Your arm, your leg, your face.... whatever she was closest to.

When we lived in Union, MO we had a flock of turkey end up in our backyard. Shelby was outside. I was panicked, not knowing what would happen. Would the turkeys attack her? Well, the answer is no. She walked right up in the middle of them and started talking to them. In my mind I heard her walking up and saying "Hi, my name is Shelby. What's your name?"

Don't take life so seriously. Make funny faces!

Stick your tongue out at someone. Smile. Enjoy the ride!

Take a nap. Sleep late.

Sleep is good for you and sometimes it's nice just to rest and relax. Take a nap if you can. Sleep late. Even if you're on a computer!

Be a lady!

Not always, but sometimes. Be glamorous. Be polite. But always be kind! Our little girl was a lady to the end. We had to have her put to sleep on March 17,2022. She stayed a class act till the end.

More things Shebly taught me:

Speak when you want to be heard. For such a little girl, Shelby could have a very loud voice. We had painters in our house and we had put Shelby in the basement while they were working. She was NOT happy about this at all. She started calling out to whoever would listen. She could say "Hello" very well and started yelling, "Hello!". After a few minutes, the painters started yelling "Hello" back to her. Jim was in his office working and could hear them. He said he almost fell out of his chair laughing.

Don’t care what other people think.

Shelby always did what she wanted, when he wanted.

Stay close to the ones you love and love unconditionally.

Shelby was our girl. She knew it. We had other cats but she had been our only girl since we have been together. We spoiled her endlessly. And she spoiled us. Once when I had surgery, I had to sleep on our sofa bed. Shelby climbed in the bed with me. She did not leave my side. Not once. To the point that I thought she was sick and I became extremely worried. Once I was up and about, she got up and was perfectly fine.

Run when you want to, Snore if you want to.

If you want to run, run. If you want to snore, snore. If you want to jump, jump. Do what makes you happy. Be alive. Don't let others have such an influence on you.

Learn to have a great right hook.

Shelby had brothers that wanted to play at times she didn't. She learned to have a great right hook and would punch them 3 or 10 times in quick succession!. Every time we saw her do this, we laughed. So learn to protect yourself. Your body, your feelings and your heart.

Always keep yourself clean.

Shelby always kept herself super clean. She was a fanatic about it. Grooming yourself is important. Keep yourself clean and keep yourself healthy.

Girls rule.

No need to say more.

I'm not sure how this one little Maine Coon cat could teach me so much, but she did. She was my hero. My friend. I will treasure her wisdom forever.

Love to all!

Ruthie