What Cats Can Teach Us About Self-Love (And Life, Honestly)

5 lessons from our purring, stretching, boundary-setting role models

Apr 16, 2025

Hi, Hi, Hi, Hello,

As you may know, I have a new kitten in my life, Nova, and yes she’s as cosmic and chaotic as that name implies. She definitely takes up a lot of my world at the moment. I find myself getting lost in watching her which is extremely joyful, relaxing and unexpectedly enlightening. Cats just might be the actual experts when it comes to self-love and living authentically.

Seriously, they don’t chase approval. They don’t explain their boundaries. They sleep when they’re tired and play when they’re energized. And they love themselves without apology.

So in honor of our wise furry, feline friends, I wanna share five things cats can teach us about healing, growing, and loving ourselves better, because yes, even your aloof, sunbeam-hogging cat has spiritual guru energy.

1. Rest Isn’t Lazy - It’s Sacred

Cats nap like it’s their job. 16 hours a day? No guilt, no shame, no internal monologue about productivity. They just rest.

We hoomans? We push through exhaustion, call ourselves lazy for needing a break, worry about what others will think of us if we take a break, take our bodies past the breaking point, and then wonder why and demonize ourselves when we get burned out.

Let’s flip that script. Healing takes energy. Growth takes time. Rest is not a reward, it’s a requirement. Listen to your body. Trust your rhythms. Take the damn nap.

2. Boundaries Are Non-Negotiable

Have you ever tried to pet a cat when they’re not in the mood? You’ll get the look, the hiss, the growl, the swat. They’ll walk away. They’ll make it crystal clear, in a language that we all understand, that nope, not now, not today.

What would it look like if we did that? What if we didn’t explain, justify, or apologize for honoring our boundaries? What if we just spoke clearly and walked away if need be.

You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to walk away. You’re allowed to protect your peace. Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re invitations to love and honor yourself more deeply.

3. Be 100% Yourself, All the Time

Cats don’t care if you think they’re “too much.” One minute they’re attacking a pen cap like it’s a wild animal, the next they’re staring into space like they’re seeing the spirit realm. It’s their world. We’re just living in it.

And honestly? That’s the kind of comfort and confidence we need. You don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s expectations. You don’t have to dim your light to keep the peace. You were never meant to blend in, you were meant to shine.

Even if you haven’t quite figured out who you are, be 100% you in that moment, knowing that it may or may not change, but not worrying about the future. Just be who you truly are in each moment.

4. Curiosity is Part of Growth

Cats explore everything. Even when it’s risky or unknown. Even when it might drop them into the open toilet or get them stuck behind the couch for 45 minutes, or scare them when something pops out of the hole they were exploring.

Curiosity is how we learn, grow, and heal. It’s okay to not know all the answers. Try new things. Ask weird questions. Be open to new tools, ideas, and paths. You’re not lost, you’re just exploring.

5. Find Joy in the Little Things

Give a cat a box and you’d think they won the lottery. A sunbeam? Pure bliss. Their own wagging tail? Self Inspired Joy. A crumpled receipt on the floor? Best. Day. Ever.

We’re allowed to feel joy right now, in the little things: sharing the view with a friend, a good cup of tea, a song that makes you dance, a moment of quiet. You don’t have to wait for life to be “perfect” to feel good. You don’t have to wait for someone else to be around to get lost in joy. Joy isn’t a destination. It’s a decision.

Final Purr-spective (a little cat wisdom for your soul)

Cats don’t hustle for love. They just exist: worthy, whole, unapologetically themselves.

And you? You’re allowed to do the same.

So maybe today you follow the Cat Guru’s and you honor your boundaries. Or take a nap. Or do something that makes you giggle and filled with joy.

You’re not broken. You’re not too much. You’re not behind.

You’re growing. You’re healing. You’re already enough.

Let yourself be loved exactly as you are. Starting with you.

Remember, You Are Worthy and You Are Loved!
Cheryl

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