What Can a Cat Teach Us About Dealing with Emotions?

I cried this morning and asked myself if there was another way to deal with my bittersweet emotions. Keep reading to the end and let the wisdom of our cat mommy, Kiki, show you the best way to deal with your emotions when saying goodbye to your best friend.

Our baby kitten, Ami (which in French means ‘friend’), left the nest today. We’ve been privileged over the last eight weeks to be a part of her feline world and to be taught the grace and ease of animals growing up. I saw that animals don’t have the growing pains humans do because they don’t get caught in emotional pain like we do. That was a refreshing reminder.

We sat cross-legged in the “kitten classroom” for hours, the entire family watching a magical word of wonder develop before us. It stuck us how, from the moment of birth, cat mommies are amazingly well equipped to teach and guide their babies into adulthood. Following their instincts and trusting that everything will work out, even when their little ones stumble and fall, is second nature to them. That’s a powerful lesson for parents. We too need to encourage our children to be their own unique and precious selves and stand on their own two feet. And then we need to let them go.

But the day to “let go” came sooner than we would have liked. And Ami was the first kitten to go. I recognized the swell of the same deep emotions I felt when my oldest children were leaving for college overseas. I’m restless and distracted, pacing the house until Ami’s new family arrives. In sharp contrast, Kiki is as calm as can be. I wonder if she knows Ami is leaving today. I watch her as she, like a real mommy, takes Ami aside and feeds him. One last round of nourishment followed by some grooming, and he looks his best.

I follow Kiki’s example. For one last time I take Ami in my arms. I tell him about his big life purpose that’s awaiting him. I say if he can just be his beautiful playful self, he doesn’t have to do a thing. “Just be,” I whisper in his soft brown furry ear. His big blue eyes look lovingly at me, and then he squeezes them close and falls asleep in my arms. He knows enough; that one teaching is plenty to jumpstart him into his new world.

Ami’s wonderful new family arrives a few moments later. I wrap up the kitten in a fuzzy, soft baby blanket so he looks like a tiny Eskimo with only his round sweet face face visible. I hand him to the young boy, and he proudly and gently carries Ami to the car.

After a last wave, Ami is gone. I stand watching after him, crying, an emotional wreck. When I walk back into the house, I notice that Kiki is sound asleep. I long for her cat-mother skills in letting go. Early tomorrow morning, the next kitten will leave. Taking a lesson from a cat mommy, I’m going to take a catnap after he leaves. A catnap sounds so simple; I’ll let you know how it goes…

Saskia Roell is a Soul Guidance Coach, radio host, bestselling author, and co-author with Jack Canfield, Stephen Covey and Deepak Chopra. An in-demand speaker, clairvoyant healer and mother of five, she empowers you to move out of your comfort zone, break through your fears, and go after your heart’s desires. Download her complimentary “21-Day Roadmap to Your Dreams” program.