National Cat Day is October 29th, and looking ahead, that got us thinking about all the ways cats have entwined themselves in peoples’ lives. This collection of cats quotes illustrates the breadth and depth of it.
We’ve gathered some of the most interesting and amusing out there. From tiny delicate creatures that can turn into ferocious predators in an instant, to loyal and loving companions, it’s no wonder that humans have been fascinated by these creatures for centuries.
by David Stone
“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.” – Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway may have been on to something when he noted that cats demonstrate absolute emotional honesty – unlike humans, who often hide their feelings.
What is a cat’s lifespan now? Shorter than ours, but…
After all, haven’t we all seen cats exhibit a variety of facial expressions and body language to clearly indicate their emotions?
Happiness, anger, curiosity and determination can easily be seen in the meow of a kitty as they give chase to a pesky fly, let out a sweet purr while being petted or pout their little faces when told ‘no’.
We can only hope that one day humans too can be as honest with their emotions as cats.
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“There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats.” – Albert Schweitzer
Music and cats have been providing refuge to the weary for centuries. Although Albert Schweitzer is thought to be the one who coined this popular phrase, evidence of music soothing the broken-hearted stretches back almost as far as humanity itself.
Much like a hug from a loved one or watching the sunset with someone special, music has always proven to be a dependable companion in times of need – no matter how small or large the tragedy may be.
Cats, on the other hand, offer a different type of respite – an unconditional kind of love that never wavers or judges. In times when we don’t feel worthy of sympathy from our fellow humans, cats prove again and again (sometimes with a purr and sometimes with a head bump) that we are always worth loving.
It’s no wonder then, that music and cats have become so closely associated with comfort – they truly have saved many souls over time.
“The problem with cats is that they get the exact same look on their face whether they see a moth or an elephant coming at them” – Terry Pratchett
Few of us would be brave enough to approach an elephant, and cats certainly don’t possess that same level of bravery.
Instead, they express their surprise or shock at a new creature in the same way no matter what animal it is – wide eyes and a flat face.
Terry Pratchett certainly had his unique way with words when he stated that cats have no sense of scale when it comes to showcasing their emotions.
While the impassive expression may appear amusing to us humans, the cat is just doing its best to face up to whatever might come its way – whether it’s large or small!
“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.” – Garrison Keillor
The beloved feline is often misunderstood.
For years, we have assumed our furry friends seek to fulfill a primary purpose in our lives. We’ve grown so accustomed to attributing ultimatums to the world around us that we forget that not all creatures – or humans for that matter – must have a predefined role.
As Garrison Keillor illumined; cats provide an illustration of the beauty and charm in simply existing. It’s time to embrace our own purposeless state, an existential free pass that allows us to roam life however we wish.
Every morning while my cat spends hours perched up so he can look out the window and take in the vastness of it all I remember his message: There’s no right way to live – just be and enjoy your life!
“I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.” – Hippolyte Taine
For many centuries, philosophers around the world have pondered the secrets of existence and the true meaning of life. But Hippolyte Taine found his answers with cats – not traditional intellectuals.
Through their antics and attitude, cats seemed to exude wisdom that puts some of the world’s best thinkers to shame.
In fact, according to Taine, feline wisdom was infinitely superior, making it impossible for him to deny its presence when observing felines in their element. Maybe that’s why so many famous writers, painters and intellectuals owned cats: they too recognized the superiority of this overlooked species!
“No matter how much the cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens.” – Abraham Lincoln
Considering the amount of drama cats can bring to our lives with their renowned feuds, it’s remarkable that so many of them manage to keep reproducing! Abraham Lincoln was right when he quipped about the steady abundance of kittens despite all the fighting.
Who knows why cats are so determined to keep multiplying; maybe they recognize that fighting keeps getting harder and harder if there’s always a new litter arriving. It’s certainly not lost on us, at least – perhaps it’s worth giving Mr. Lincoln’s observation a bit more consideration next time our furry friends look ready for a showdown.
Though often considered aloof, there is much we can learn from our feline friends. As some of the wisest thinkers in history have noted, cats possess a certain emotional honesty and provide refuge from the misery of life.
They also serve as an important reminder that not everything needs a purpose – sometimes it’s just enough to enjoy the moment. So next time your cat gives you that look, take a step back and appreciate all they’ve taught you.
