Cats may not speak, but they sure can teach us a lot about life and how to make most of it! I want to  celebrate our feline friends by noting the wisdom that they possess and what we can learn from them. Here are a few things I’ve learned from our cat friends, particularly from my own cat, Izzy, who is pretending not to recognize me as I’m typing this.

It’s okay to just have fun sometimes!  

Sure, life is about working hard, trying to be productive and managing responsibilities, but it’s also important to have fun. Izzy strongly lives by this rule. While you can’t always break away from your responsibilities, try to work some fun free time for yourself into to your schedule. While my cat prefers to play with small soft soccer balls during her playtime, find something that entertains you.

It’s important to get enough sleep

This is an important area that is imperative to our health and cats seem to recognize easily. Some cats are so concerned about their health that they even sleep 14 hours daily! Though being in college and working can be demanding and time consuming, it is important to make sure to get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are the foundation of your well-being and performing well in every part of your life. Try to make sure to get a good night’s sleep so that it’ll be YOU waking up first before your cat!

Never give up on what you want

Cats seem to understand the importance of persistence and never giving up on what you want. Many times Izzy has tried to eat my food and I’ve taken it away, yet nevertheless she persists! It is a simple lesson: never give up on what you’re passionate about and keep fighting for what you want! Due to her persistence and unwillingness to give up, my cat Izzy has managed to eat some of my food from time to time.

Address everything with a strategy

Whether it be a job interview or school exam, it’s important to first consider your goals, then plan the steps you need to take to reach your ultimate goal. In the case of my cat, her clever strategy involves grabbing my food when I’m distracted!

Always stay true to yourself

Izzy doesn’t care about what other cats are doing or what we humans may think about her – she is simply Izzy. And that’s something that a lot of us could learn from: our individuality is unique and amazing! Whether it be career-wise or in your personal life, it is important to stay true to yourself and to do what you love.

A cat is much more than a purring furry bundle on your couch! Embrace the knowledge your cat has to offer – whether it be to be get more sleep, or be more persistent towards your life goals – we can learn a thing or two from our feline friends