We kitties have lots of lessons to teach humans. All of you reading this who have had cats in your lives, or who currently have cats as family members, know this. I bet each one of you could write a book about what you learned! But there are some things humans really need to learn from us cats that you guys seem to have trouble with. And I’m addressing one of them today.
We cats share a lot of emotions with our humans — love, devotion, happiness. Sometimes anger and annoyance. Many of us are as protective of our humans as they are towards us. But one emotion is not part of being a cat, and it’s one that humans waste far too much energy on. It’s guilt.
Cats never feel guilty over anything. That’s because we don’t need anyone’s approval. Not even from ourselves, because we don’t judge our own actions. The only time we feel bad about something that has displeased our humans is when we think we might get punished for it. That’s not guilt — that’s annoyance, or at the worst, fear. If we do something that winds up having negative consequences, we deal with it (or don’t) and move on. We don’t feel bad we did it… we may consider it a lesson and not repeat it, but that’s about it. We don’t dwell on it, or beat ourselves up over it. That would be dumb… a dumb thing only a human would do.
You humans would be better off without guilt too. You either do something or you don’t. If it was a bad move, move on and don’t repeat it. If you did something that wound up hurting someone else, apologize and make it up to the wronged party. But don’t add any extra negative energy to it. Make it simple. Like a kitty does.
Few things take you out of the joy of living in the moment faster than guilt. You’re not perfect. But you might be closer to perfection if you stopped putting energy into feeling bad about bad choices. In fact, I think one of the reasons we cats are so perfect is because of our lack of guilt. Think about it. We can enjoy a sunbeam or dig into our favorite cat food without an inner dialogue full of self-judgement. It’s so life-enhancing! Live your best life and give up feeling any guilt for a day or so. You may want to make a habit of it.
Are there any other ways you wish, as a human, you could be more like a cat? Let me know in the comments.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Cats to Teach Their Humans
- 10 Reasons Why Humans Are Better Than Cats (Yes, Really!)
- 9 Misconceptions Cats Have About Humans
2021 Somali Cat Wall Calendar, Starring Summer
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Excellent topic Summer! Believe it or not our catmom doesn’t focus on guilt. She says too many times it just ends up hurting the hurt party more. She totally agrees with you and your mom on this. She says to stick to the point and don’t add unnecessary negative or hurtful words. More focus should be on peace, forgiveness, compassion, love, and in helping one another. Create good, happy, and loving memories. Purrs
Such wise words, Summer, and you’re right!!
Summer we love your kitty wisdom…and another thing us humans shouldn’t hang to is holding grudges. That is bad for the holder and the one its directed at…
You are very wise, Summer. The humans could learn a lot from us cats!
You are very wise <3
Sage advice <3
Well, Summer, I think you are a very wise kitty. Hadn’t really thought about the whole guilt no guilt thing, but it makes a lot of sense. Definitely something to ponder.
Absolutely no guilt here. I don’t think the peeps feel guilt either especially when they have a high-calorie desert they know they shouldn’t.
Nope, cats don’t feel guilt, that’s for sure, Summer!
I love this so much, Summer! You’re so right and such a smart kitty.
It’s a good thing I don’t feel guilt, makes it much easier to eat Hammy’s treats! Mewhahahaha!
You are right, Summer. Humans do spend too long feeling guilty over different things. A cat has no need to feel guilty though as they can do no wrong.
Great post Summer. Kitties are so much wiser than humans- I guess that is why we scoop your poop and not vice versa. 🙂
That’s wonderful sweet Summer and it makes so much sense, humans really need to pay attention in class.
Wow, these are wise words. Humans should definitely take your advice, Summer.
What a wise kitty. I’m sure you’re right too.
Excellent advice for humans!
The Florida Furkids
I sure do wish that I could sleep like a cat!
Summer…that was an interesting and different post and you have a good point not to continually dwell on mistakes when you have hurt someone or something, But reflecting on what happened- and how it happened, is productive. Steps taken to ameliorate the wrong doing, apologize and move on. Don’t go on for years about it…that’s for certain. ❤️
What an interesting post! We agree that too much guilt is totally counterproductive, but #1 says it would be good to reflect a little more if one has done something bad!
Purrs,
Tama and Genji