During the pandemic, we agreed to take a kitten into our home. We thought it male and in a bow to Dr. Fauci, we decided to name him after this good doctor. When we learnt that Fauci was a girl, we called her Miss Fauci though most often we drop the Miss.
I find myself in love with this small creature and wondered why beyond the idea that she is regal and Egyptian (or in my head she is - "Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them.") so I did a little research.
One article noted:
"I believe that a major reason we love cats is because of an uncanny ability that few humans possess: they register our tactile presence in a deeply felt way. They really know how to let us in! They’re right there in the delectable moment receiving our touch.
Delighting in our physical presence, they may begin to purr and perhaps roll on their backs, exposing their vulnerability. As if to say, “I trust you. Give me some love and make me feel good.” Their gift to us is that they receive us deeply, without any troubling cognitions or disturbing memories of less savory moments, such as when we forgot to feed them or clean their litter box. They let all of that go. They’re just here with us right now.
Perhaps you’re blessed to have a partner who receives you in a deep way. What a gift to sense that your partner is really letting you in. But sadly, most of us have blocks to receiving deeply and freely. Perhaps past conflicts or traumas have muddied the waters. Or, we’ve been taught that giving is nobler than receiving and we believe that we’re selfish if we receive uninhibitedly.
Cats teach us that this ain't so. Most likely, we don’t judge cats as being selfish; we relish how openly they let us in. Or, perhaps we think they're selfish, but we don't mind. Humans could use more healthy narcissism in regard to receiving people more deeply.
Research has shown that cats can be very healing for us. A 10-year research study suggests that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attacks than people who have never owned one. The latter group was 40 percent more likely to die from heart attacks and 30 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Other studies confirm that cats can lower our blood pressure and release dopamine and serotonin, which reduce stress and improve immune functioning.
Cats can also help release oxytocin, which is associated with the feeling of being in love. As we know, love heals, and perhaps an important aspect of this healing is the bonding created by their ability to receive us deeply. I have fond memories of my now deceased cat slowly sauntering toward me and lying on my chest, purring. It’s a precious feeling that puts us into a relaxed state...
Be a cat. Get out of your head, take a deep, easy breath, and be mindfully present with how it feels in your body to receive a hug and affection from a loved one. Whether from a cat or human, letting in love just might heal you."
