7 Things Cats Can Teach You About Joy – #WATWB

It may seem counter to every-surface-level-thing you know about a cat’s personality (generally speaking), but the good news this week is that cats have lots to teach us about how to be joyful, healthy and content in life!

Yes, cats can be ornery, standoffish and demanding at times, but they truly shine when it comes to self care. We can all learn a lot from these extraordinary creatures. They not only bring lots of joy with their play hunting, acrobatics and antics, they can enlighten us about how to care for ourselves in both good times and bad.

Whether or not you have your own furry feline friend, if you take the time to observe the nearest neighborhood hunter, you will see them exhibiting many of the following behaviors. Taken as rules, these can truly open up a pathway to amusement and satisfaction.

  1. Play with a sense of youthful exuberance.
  2. Be curious about life and your surroundings.
  3. Gaze out the window (or out in nature) for quality relaxation.
  4. Take a cat nap every now and then.
  5. Take a break from humans when you need to.
  6. Approach a human when you need a good scratch, a kind word or a little love.
  7. Do more of whatever makes you purr.

Take time to do a few of these and you’ll be purr-fectly well on your way to a more joyful you.


At the end of each month, we bloggers are given an opportunity to post good news, offering an antidote to bad news in our feeds. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. #WATWB was started in March 2017; we’ve been sharing positive, uplifting stories to inspire, give hope and motivate others for many years now. This month’s co-hosts are Mary J. Giese and Belinda Witzenhausen. Please check out their blogs and say hello.


Lizbeth Hartz is the author of the true crime, true love memoir Angel Hero, Murder in Hawaii, A True StoryGet it on Amazon or sign up to read the 1st chapter free.

8 Comments

  1. DGKaye on August 27, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    So cute cat advice. 🙂



    • Lizbeth Hartz on August 29, 2021 at 8:18 am

      Thank you for this, and thanks for writing 🙂



  2. Mary J Giese on August 27, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Excellent post, Lizbeth…coming from a cat lady herself. First off, the cream and orange cat in the video reminds me of my Willie, who is in kitty heaven. He was the sweetest cat ever! Willie was one of a few males cats I’ve had over the years that let me willingly hold him like a baby for longer than two seconds and purred with love all the while. Cats really can bring joy, laughter, and reminders not to take life too seriously. Thanks for sticking up for the feline population and contributing to WATWB.



    • Lizbeth Hartz on August 29, 2021 at 8:17 am

      Thanks for commenting, Mary, and I’m delighted to meet another cat lady. Cool that Little White reminds you of your Willie, and I agree, it’s so fantastic when they purr with love. My favorite encounter–when the mom and daughter jump on my bed and curl up against my leg and stay cuddled there unless I have to get up in the night or a cockroach is foolish enough to race by in the night!



  3. susan scott on August 27, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Great #WATWB post Lizbeth! Much to learn from cats! Wonderful lessons for humans thank you!



    • Lizbeth Hartz on August 29, 2021 at 8:09 am

      Thanks, Susan Scott, and I’m so glad you like my post. I agree; our cats keep on teaching us how to enjoy life!



  4. Belinda Witzenhausen on August 27, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    Great Post! My furbaby Sherlock is the love of my life (but shhh….don’t tell my husband that lol). I’m definitely a cat person and they really do make life so much richer! Thanks so much for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB! Have a fantastic weekend!



    • Lizbeth Hartz on August 29, 2021 at 8:08 am

      Thank you for commenting, Belinda, and I’m delighted you liked the post. I’m with you; our fur babies are so delightful. You’re welcome, and wishing you a fantastic weekend too!