In My Next Life, I Should Like to Become a Housecat

In my next life, I should like to become a housecat. Once, I considered myself a dog person, as most Americans do, but cats have much to be said for them. They know what they need, and do not typically ask for more; food, water, a litter box, and perhaps a few toys and treats are all that a cat needs to be happy. Cats seem to follow that ancient wisdom from the Greek philosopher Thales to “know thyself.”

Cats enjoy and eat most food put in front of them. I have met finicky cats, but none so finicky that they would not eat whatever quality food they are given, as long as it agrees with their body. A housecat, unlike an outdoor or feral cat, eats when it gets hungry, but typically does not overindulge. I have seen cats that are more finicky about their water either running or being stagnant in their bowl.

I have met cats that are possessive of their owners, while others treat owner and stranger alike. While assembling a cart for hauling rocks, a neighborhood cat walked into my garage and kindly crawled into my lap as if he knew me and had been pet by me several times. To approach strangers with this openness is another trait I admire.

Seeing a cat at play, especially an older, more serious cat at play, reminds me that regardless of age, one can and should approach the world as a form a play. Whether it is through philosophy, socializing with friends, or work, an attitude of play is important. Even the cat who is ambivalent to the world can find the right time for play.

While dogs can bark at anything that catches their interest, cats mewl primarily to communicate with humans. When left to their own kind, they do not bother meowing back and forth. Cats speak only when they feel they need to. This is a habit I wish more people had, including myself.

​Yet I know I shall not have a next life as a cat. Instead, I shall have this life as a human. Better to learn from these creatures than to wish to become them.