Life Lessons from Mystic, My Mischievous yet Wise Cat

When we think about house pets, the first word that often comes to mind is dogs, and for obvious reasons. Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and their love for humans is unconditional. Hence, pets are often synonymous with dogs. I am a dog person myself and have been longing to have a dog by my side for a long time. However, my wife had some reservations, so we kept this plan on hold. But a miracle happened a month ago that changed my life for good.

There are rarely any dog people who love to keep cats as pets, and the same applied to me. I hated the idea of having cats as pets. But I never imagined that I would be proven wrong and come to adore cats as housemates. To be brutally honest, I have been struggling with mental health issues for some time, and while I was recovering, many of my close friends recommended having a pet pal. Well, I was all game for it, but planning to adopt a dog was no trivial deal. It is a major decision and requires commitment from everyone at home. Hence, we parked this decision for some time.

However, soon the cosmos conspired, and some of my and my wife’s close friends started suggesting cats as pets. I was, of course, skeptical. However, all my skepticism vanished when I caught a glimpse of the cutest Persian kitten at a pet shop while on my way to work. I came back in the evening just to hold the kitten in my arms. It was all unconditional love, at least that’s what I felt. I parked the idea for a few days. But soon, we met a close friend who had a few Persian kittens. I casually visited him just to be in close vicinity to those cute furry babies. I had a great time until I held the cutest ginger-colored cat in my arms. She climbed on my shoulders and played. It was love at first sight. I didn’t want her to leave my side. In fact, I didn’t even know if it was a he or a she; all I knew was that it was absolutely impossible for me to let the kitten go.

My wife was not entirely sure, but as always, she was supportive. I convinced her more with the promise that the cat would be my responsibility. The three of us, including the newly blessed cat, signed the agreement psychologically with a clause that my wife would have the upper hand in choosing the name. And so, Mystic, the mischievous yet wise cat, came into our lives. Now when I look back, I think I was getting signs here and there, especially through the books I was reading a few weeks earlier before meeting the fur babies. In some of those books, a cat was one of the protagonists, and in others, they played an important part. I especially enjoyed “The Cat Who Saved Books” by Sosuke Natsukawa, whose main character was a ginger tabby cat, and “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, in which the main character grieves the loss of her beloved cat. It is from here, combined with mentions from my friends, that my interest in cats grew day by day.

Meet Mystic

While I had some knowledge of how to keep dogs as home companions, I had absolutely no idea how to do the same with cats. The knowledge I had was from friends who mentioned that cats are easy to keep and that if you are not a cat person, you would soon become one. Being the impulsive person that I am, I decided that no task was difficult for me. Hosting a kitten weighing approximately 700 grams in my life couldn’t be that hard, right? From that moment, I was both right and wrong, both for good. Mystic is the cutest ginger cat you could imagine. With her playfulness, her meows, and purrs, she just melts our hearts. But she packs a lot of energy when she is in the mood to play. It is almost impossible to match her mischievousness. She can just play with anything, jump at any place, and is always planning on where to jump and climb next. But amidst all this, she carries a lot of wisdom, which I could clearly see when she sits quietly, staring at me, and doing her occasional slow blinks and head turns.

Cats are social animals who need the company of humans. They recognize their humans, adore them, and are, of course, dependent on them. But if you compare the emotions and their corresponding reactions between cats and dogs, you will find significant differences. Emotions and their corresponding reactions can, of course, vary depending on the species, breed, and even their birth region. If you are having a hard time grasping this, just think of humans. Each person has a different personality, irrespective of whether they are from the same family or different. Hence, I feel there is a strong similarity between the personality of a cat and that of humans. The more I observed Mystic, her actions, reactions, and our evolving relationship, the more I was able to learn some valuable lessons in life.

Lesson 1: Love and Respect Need to Be Earned

Can you blindly trust any random person you see across the street? I certainly can’t. Trust is something that must be earned through time and effort. This was one of the first lessons Mystic taught me: love and respect need to be earned. Building a bond, whether with another human or an animal, requires commitment and mutual effort, especially from the one who desires it the most. When it comes to pets, particularly cats, this principle is crystal clear. Unlike dogs, cats won’t automatically shower you with affection. They are selective and discerning, making their love and trust all the more precious.

Living with Mystic has shown me that I must prove myself worthy of her affection. She may initiate contact and show her love, but I have to earn and nurture that bond. This lesson extends beyond our pets. In all relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, trust and respect should never be taken for granted. They are treasures to be earned and cherished. Mystic has taught me to put in the effort, show I care, and build those bridges of trust and respect with patience and sincerity. This insight has been invaluable in all areas of my life.

Lesson 2: Be Curious, Keep Learning, and Never Give Up

When we were kids, curiosity drove us to explore the unknown, learn new ideas, and boldly live life on our own terms. Despite the world’s pressures, we had a can-do attitude and an audacious spirit. But as we grew into adults, many of us lost that spark. We became too dependent on external validation, letting the world decide what was best for us. This happened to me as well. My sole goal was to excel, driven by the need to prove myself to others.

Enter Mystic. This kind soul came to the rescue and taught me an essential lesson: be curious, keep learning, and never give up. While Mystic knows her way around the home, she is always on the lookout for what’s happening in her environment. She constantly seeks to learn, finding unique ways to get things done and discovering new places to explore. Sometimes she fails, but she sits back, evaluates, and tries again. She gets smarter in her small yet impactful world that we call home. Despite being a house cat, she’s had her share of external world experiences while traveling with us over short distances.

Observing Mystic made me realize that we, too, should remain curious about what works for us and what doesn’t. We should identify what makes us happy and keeps us motivated, and then boldly take the next step toward our heart’s desires. It’s a slow journey requiring courage and constant trial and error. But there’s always a plan B. We just need to focus on what’s good for us, keep trying, learn from our mistakes, and let the alternatives materialize. Mystic’s relentless curiosity and resilience have reignited my own desire to learn and grow, reminding me that life is an endless adventure waiting to be explored.

Lesson 3: Respect Others’ Space

Mystic loves our company, and we love hers even more. She has to know everything we’re doing, following us around the house and finding a spot where she can watch us in action. She hates being out of our line of sight. However, she also needs her personal space when things get too busy in the house or when she needs a quiet place to sleep or groom herself.

While our instinct is to cuddle and play with her all the time, Mystic has taught us the importance of respecting personal space. She maintains a fine balance between seeking our company and needing her alone time.

Take nighttime, for example. Mystic will be around people who are awake, and as soon as the last person goes to sleep, she’ll visit everyone, say her goodbyes, cuddle a bit, and then find a quiet corner to sleep where she hopes not to be disturbed. Just like us, she prefers not to be disturbed when she retires for the day. Yet, she’s also the first to wake us up, knowing exactly when it’s time. If we’re a few minutes late, she’ll come over with her purrs and cuddles.

Mystic’s behavior highlights a crucial lesson: everyone needs their personal space. By respecting hers, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of personal boundaries and the value of alone time, not just for Mystic but for everyone around me. This balance of togetherness and solitude has deepened my understanding of respect in relationships.

Lesson 4: There Is Happiness in the Smaller Things in Life

No discussion about life lessons is complete without touching on happiness. We’re all chasing that ever-elusive feeling, often pegging it to significant achievements like a promotion, a new home, or a new job. Our narrative often goes, “When this happens, I’ll be happy.” But once we achieve one goal, another takes its place, and the pursuit never ends. Is happiness really that complicated? According to Mystic, it’s not. She’s shown me that happiness can be incredibly simple. Despite having ten different toys, a fancy covered bed, and a huge cat tree, she finds immense joy in the simplest things. Wrappers, crumpled paper balls, pencil sharpeners, pen caps, and pieces of plastic are her favorite playthings. Watching her play with these “insignificant” items is a treat. Mystic finds meaning and contentment in these small moments, teaching me a vital lesson: there is happiness in the smaller things in life.

In our relentless pursuit of happiness, we often overlook the daily moments that bring us joy. We become so focused on the big milestones that we miss out on the simple pleasures life offers us every day. Mystic has taught me to savor these small moments of joy and navigate life with more passion and appreciation.By finding happiness in the little things, I’ve learned to experience life more fully and to cherish the beauty of everyday moments. This shift in perspective has made my journey through life more fulfilling and meaningful.

Mystics celebrated her 3rd month birthday and 1 month of being with us on July 7, 2024. And in the short time that Mystic has been a part of our lives, she has taught us some invaluable lessons that go beyond the domain of pet ownership. From earning love and respect to maintaining a sense of curiosity and resilience, respecting personal space, and finding joy in the small things, Mystic’s wisdom has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. As we navigate the vagueness and complexities of life, these lessons serve as nudges to cherish the simple moments, continuously learn and grow, and foster meaningful connections with those around us.

Mystic, with her mischievous antics but wise demeanor, has transformed our home into a world of love, laughter, and learning. She may be small in size, but her impact on our lives is immense. So, the next time you encounter a seemingly ordinary moment, remember that it holds the potential for extraordinary joy and profound wisdom — just as Mystic has shown us. Embrace life’s lessons, cherish the journey, and, above all, keep your heart open to the unexpected joys that come your way.

If you love to read books and love pets, I would highly recommend reading the following:

The cat who saved books

The Midnight Library [Paperback] Haig, Matt

If you have a cat and are looking to make their life extra fun. Here are a few things I bought for my cat that she loved (toys, cat tree etc…)

Cat Tree with platform

Cat Tree with tower

Cotton Mix Chewable Rope Teething Playing Toy

Transparent Pet Carrier Backpack