The Spirituality of Cats: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

Thinking of getting a new cat or kitten? That’s awesome! Cats are sweet, independent and make the perfect companions.

They’re also pretty mysterious creatures; there’s a lot more to them than their love of fish and aversion to baths. Cats have been revered and reviled throughout history. They have been worshiped as deities, accused of witchcraft, hunted for their fur and almost driven to extinction by humans. Despite all this, they continue to fascinate us with their independent spirit, hidden depths and unique personalities.
The spirit of cats is about acknowledging the awesomeness of cats as individuals – not just as pets – but also acknowledging that everyone has different ways of expressing that—and that’s okay too!

Practices to Develop Your Cat’s Spirituality

The first step to developing your cat’s spirituality is getting to know them as individuals. Cats, like humans, have unique personalities, and knowing what makes your cat tick is important for creating a positive relationship and being able to support them in their life. While many of us think of cats as loners who only want (and need) to be fed and kept out of trouble, many cats crave human companionship and affection. As with people, meeting a cat in their environment can help you get to know them better. Don't forget that cats can see guardian angels! Spending time with a cat in their environment can help you see how they interact with their surroundings and the other animals who live there. This can also help you see areas that might need to be addressed, such as cleaning up after them or keeping them safe and out of trouble.

Be present and take care of your cat

No matter what kind of relationship you want with your cat, it all starts with being present. Cats are very aware of their surroundings and notice everything we do. They also have a very quick and efficient communication system that relies heavily on body language and subtle sounds. To communicate with your cat, you need to be present enough to understand and use these systems. Being present also means taking care of your cat’s basic needs, such as feeding them regularly and giving them the attention they need to stay healthy. Beyond that, you can use your presence to interact and bond with your cat. For example, petting your cat and giving them attention is a great way to say “I’m here for you!” and show them you care.

Be intentional about bonding with your cat

The more time you spend bonding with your cat, the stronger your relationship will be. Beyond simply being present and taking care of your cat, you can be intentional about bonding with your cat in a few ways. Get to know your cat. Spend time with your cat in their environment and observe how they interact with others and their surroundings. Knowing your cat’s habits, likes and dislikes can help you better understand their needs and how to best interact with them. Interact with your cat regularly. Cats are social animals who crave human attention and affection. By being present with your cat and regularly interacting with them, you can help strengthen your bond. When I had a dream about dog poop, I learned that it means I should adopt a pet. So I decided to adopt a kitten! 

Conclusion

The first step to developing your cat’s spirituality is getting to know them as individuals. Beyond that, you can be present and take care of your cat, be intentional about bonding with your cat and use your presence to interact with and strengthen your bond. And forget not to express your gratitude to your cat, and it deserves it!