We all struggle with developing strong relationships with others, whether personal or professional. It takes effort to maintain strong ties with others. But what if I told you your CAT could help you to improve your human relationships? Now I have your full attention, don’t I? I know, I know…sometimes it’s easier to just stay home with our pets, as they are easier to get along with than humans, for the most part! (I say this because my dog never argues with me and loves me no matter my mood or how bad my hair looks!) But, if you pay attention to the relationship you have with your cat, you can acquire some tips on how to strengthen the relationships you have with other humans!
Consider the power of mood. Typically, your cat will probably approach you when you are relaxed, reading, or just enjoying the moment. Cats are highly sensitive to your mood. If you are anxious or angry, your cat will most likely retreat and maintain his distance from you. He may even behave aggressively. It is similar with other people. We prefer to be around others who have a positive and calming effect on us. If someone irritates us, we tend to head in the opposite direction, right? No one has time for that kind of negativity!
Your actions affect the way your cat reacts around you. If you neglect, abuse or treat your cat poorly, your cat will most likely act out. Conversely, if you treat your cat well and with patience and kindness, guess what? Your cat will probably shower you with love and attention. Therefore, if you are in a relationship where the other person is acting up a bit, then perhaps you need to look at yourself to see if you are the root cause of that behavior. Self-reflection is a powerful tool. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but it is a necessary one.
Being selfless should be a priority. If your needs always come before those of your cat, why did you even get a cat? You can’t always put your needs and wants before those of your cat. You have a responsibility to that cat. If you withheld affection or attention from a significant other because your needs were more important, how would that person respond to you? People don’t put up with selfish behavior for very long.
The importance of one-on-one time. Your cat benefits from interacting with you, playing and just having fun. He doesn’t require this for hours on end….just for a bit at a time here and there. The same applies to your human relationships. Healthy interactions keeps the bonds strong. You spend 20 minutes playing with your cat to maintain a positive relationship. Consider making a coffee date with a friend for the same effect. It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines, neglecting the benefits of a healthy relationship with someone else, so get something on your calendar now and make it a habit!
Be thankful for your cat and let him know how much you appreciate his presence in your life.No, your cat won’t understand the sentiment, but he will respond to your loving mood. Throw in a treat or two, and you have won his heart!
In short, the way you treat your cat can be a strong indication of how you currently or how you should treat others. If you short-change your cat, chances are, you are probably doing the same with other people. Just food for thought…
Thanks to ihavecat.com for some of this insight.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
