Three major lessons I’ve learned from Liberty The Stray Cat:
1. Feel free to sleep anywhere, at any time and in any position. Doesn’t matter what you were doing just a second go. Feel free to immediately launch into sleep mode.
2. Clean yourself constantly.
3. Have fun chasing after lizards and then — after toying with them for a while — eating them.
Lesson one I’ve pretty much mastered since watching her.
Lesson two. While I keep pretty clean, I don’t seem to be as obsessed with this as Liberty is.
As for Lesson three; well, I’ll pass on that one. And, as a side note, I think it’s really kind of rude of her to taunt her snacks before she eats them. Not that she even has to eat them with all the food she is fed. I think she just likes to.
I’ll stick with her first lesson. Yes, that one works for me.
—–
Okay, I know there are thousands of other lessons that cats can teach us. Wanna’ share some? I’ll start with the next two:
4. Play it cool. Whatever is or might be happening… just play it cool.
5. Feel entitled (and even demand) to have your face rubbed whenever you want, even if just seconds ago you were completely snubbing your human.
Okay, start now… 🙂
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IF SOMETHING YOU DESIRE IS IN YOUR FIELD OF VISION (ie. a mouse under the stove) BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT (ie. sit there for as long as it takes for the poor mouse to venture out), ENLIST THE HELP OF A TRUSTED PARTNER (ie. Sadie & Leo took turns keeping watch during bathroom breaks), NEVER GIVE UP (ie. 24 hours straight)
I love the post, Bob. Thank you!
Here’s my contribution…or rather…my cats’ (Chewie and Abbi) contribution:
“Always walk into a room like you OWN it. If you believe it, others will too…including the dog!”
All the best,
Starla
Yup – totally know that feeling entitled scenario….
We took in a rescue cat last December and had to have a home inspection (I know – crazy!). Anyway, as our current cat sat looking at us from his haughty heights on top of the bookshelf, the inspector remarked that we are really just humans taking up space in the house that the cat thinks belongs to him… thought that was very apt.
Dogs definitely love you more but cats are a lot of fun to observe.
Cathy
7. Be persistent. You will eventually get fed, rubbed, let out etc.
Be independent & confident ALL the time.
My cat Serenity is terrified of the vacuum, but when we get it out of the closet she chases it around the house and swats at it. Although it completely unnerves her, she stands up and fights. She reminds me to face things head on, even when I’m afraid.
Have no fear rising to new heights just to enjoy the view.
Eat as much tuna as possible.
Eagerly anticipate the arrival of family to get home.
Cuddle often.
Stand in the way until you get what you want.
Explore everything in amazement.
Scamper away from loud noises.
When you want to be loved on, throw yourself down at their feet, roll over on your back and give them your best “I’m so cute you cant’ resist me” eyes. You’ll be picked up and cuddled instantly.
These are GREAT – I love all the comments! Because I expect we’re going to have quite a few, please pardon my not responding individually. But, I’m reading them and loving them, and filled with gratitude for your contributions! They’re awesome!!!!!
Has anyone else had their cat get the “night crazies”? This is where they zig and zag and run all over the house like a wild thing. My childhood cat used too. I learned, sometimes, you just gotta shake off the day!!!
Anything and everything can be made into a fun toy!
Treat everyday as a new day, check out each and every room, never walk by a closed door, open it to new opportunities, and don’t give up on the first, second, or third “no”
Haha cats! Gotta love ’em! I’ve always wanted to know how they can fall from any height in any position awake or asleep and they always land on their feet!!
Thanks cuz! What a cute post!
I love it when you stray just a little. I’m not a cat person but I enjoyed this one! Thanks Bob.
You almost convince me to like cats! 🙂
— Walk around like you own the place!
Thanks for all you do.
Great article. Shadow was pretty skeptical about learning from a cat. Shadow has the sleep mode down also ~ maybe the only common ground between Shadow (dog) and Liberty (Cat). We have much to learn about cats and find this article informative and interesting. One thing Shadow wants to commend Liberty on is her beautiful name. 🙂
Thanks Bob!
I learned it is OK to pop people in the head if they walk anywhere with in reach of your paw while lying on top of the fridge, that fierce independence is truly a virtue, and you love me unconditionally, I love you when I feel like it. 🙂
Be Massively Curious… and Trust Your Intuition. Just my observation from all of the Cats I have recused, Raised and Loved…
They are Massively Curious and investigate everything… In LIFE I think having a massive curiosity helps us GROW as people…
They have amazing RADAR for things and or people that are not Save or Nice… In Life I think it is imperative to trust ones own intuition…
Thanks LIBERTY and BOB for Teaching us today and everyday… and of course to all of the other
wonderful Animals out there in homes and nature… If we TRULY paid attention we would LEARN Volumes from YOU…
Enjoy the Journey- Carly
My cats reminded me of two more today…
1. NO simply means, “No, not right now,” or “No, not while I’m watching.”
2. The Jedi Mind Trick really does work! If you hone the skill well enough, it can wake a human up out of a deep sleep in a matter of seconds.
Bob, great post. I have to admit that I am not a cat person. But that doesn’t really matter. Cats are great at being cats. The lesson is; be proud to be the best example of a creature excelling at being exactly how God create you to be.
I’m loving ALL of these. Thank you, everyone. Amazing what great lessons we learn from our four-legged buds, isn’t it? I’m hoping we continue to get more comments. Having a blast with these! Thanks so much!
Being more self absorbed than most other people posting…and also being a ‘pet free’ human, my take from Liberty the Cat is to get adopted by Bob Burg. Let’s see…spectacular Florida location, kind, caring and attentive ‘owner’, plenty of time to have the house to myself when he travels to speak and when he heads to DD every day for coffee (longer free time on Sunday – something to do with donuts I think.
Fun post Bob. Thanks
Love this cat! Great post Bob. Somehow I know Liberty is very pleased about this. 🙂
Cat naps are necessary and an inalienable right.
You have the right to change your mind at any time for any reason.
Smelly food can be a tasty treat.
Just because someone else doesn’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
I love when you use Liberty and let her be the highlight of your post; hell, sometimes she even writes it! I adore kitties, and once upon a time my all black, long haired Katie taught the importance of standing in my own power when she did just that. My sister from Miami, had stopped by and had a new dog, big mutt about 7 months old and very playful. When he went after Katie, she gave him an instant attitude adjustment by letting him know who was boss and she RAN after him, until finally once the dog was hiding in the garage, she calmed herself down, and rubbed my leg like if nothing ever happened. The dog, though….was in therapy for a year!
So don’t let anyone bully you, learn to be assertive, and stand your ground!
Thanks for this fun post Bob, as usual, full of meaningful insights. <3
Cats think they have the power of invisibility they can turn on and off, especially at night. If they believe you will believe. (Eyes give them away every time).
Would be a cool ability.
Fun post Bob.