Feline Philosophy: Life Lessons from Your Cat

FELINE PHILOSOPHY Copyright © Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2005 Condition of Sale This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher. Summersdale Publishers Ltd 46 West Street Chichester West Sussex PO19 1RP UK www.summersdale.com Printed and bound in Great Britain ISBN 1 84024 454 2

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‘I’ve met many thinkers and many cats, but the wisdom of cats is infinitely superior’ Hippolyte Taine

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Stretch yourself in many directions.

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Listen to others, but also listen to yourself.

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Be grateful for your daily food. If you’re not hungry, you can always play with it.

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It’s OK to have a dull coat – it’s the tiger within that counts.

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But there’s no reason to be seen with a hair out of place.

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Always be ready to share a plate of food.

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If you don’t like the look of it, shred it.

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Be hard to say goodbye to…

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… but easy to come back to.

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Take charge of your surroundings – kick away the dead leaves, stalk the magpies... but don’t forget to enjoy the butterflies.

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Make friends with people in high places however you can.

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Be curious – you can afford to lose a life or two.

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When in need, don’t be afraid to ask a friend.

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Stare unabashedly – no one ever got anything by being coy.

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Seek out the sunny places.

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Don’t always come when you are called. Good things come to those who wait.

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Slow down; make time to eat the flowers.

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Sometimes you just have to leap without looking.

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Don’t be shy about sharing your achievements.

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If someone steps on your paws, let them know…

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… but after a cuddle and an apology, forgive and forget.

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Take the best seat in the house; your contentment is as important as the next fellow’s.

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Embrace signs of maturity – flaunt your hair loss.

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Not everything in life can be explained.

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Go barefoot among the buttercups.

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See the possibilities in everything.

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Public displays of affection make the world a happier place.

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Follow your instincts.

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If the sun is no longer shining on you, move to another spot.

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Choose your friends wisely.

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Don’t waste time trying to please everybody.

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Always make time for play.

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Contentment can’t be bought.

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Take the initiative – if you don’t ask you don’t get.

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You can live without television.

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There is no place so dark that comfort cannot be found.

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Sometimes you are just in a bad mood – there’s no need to explain yourself.

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Don’t hold back – yawn like you really mean it.

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Be there for your friends.

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Take it slow; the faster you run, the more likely you are to forget where you’re going.

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Be independent, but it’s OK to depend on others sometimes.

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You can’t blame everything on the dog.

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When in doubt, act like you’re in the right.

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Be a good listener.

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Right now, there is at least one person who can’t wait to see you.

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Spilled milk isn’t always something to cry over.

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Feel free to speak out when something makes you unhappy.

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If you feel like climbing to the top of the shed, climb to the top of the shed.

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There’s nothing better than finding a good lap to curl up in.

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If in doubt, sleep on it.

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Tread lightly on this earth.

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Don’t give away all your secrets. Be cool and mysterious.

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Everyone is entitled to change their mind.

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Don’t be a slave to the telephone.

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Do what you want, when you want.

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Learn to see what you need even when it’s all gone dark.

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Keep climbing until you reach the very top of the curtains.

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Don’t be afraid to take chances and try new things.

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Be tolerant, but don’t be a pushover.

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Don’t let a closed door stand in your way.

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To err is human. To forgive, feline.

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www.summersdale.com

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