The Science of Influence Demonstrated by the Cat

Just a fun little article that I thought you all might enjoy. It is so important to keep our sense of humour during stressful economic times.

“Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges.
Cats have the courage to live by them.”

American Cartoonist Jim Davis

Although by all accounts I am really a dog person, my daughter Kezia would definitely argue the merits of the feline species. I love the obedience of a dog. Kezia loves the independent spirit of her cat. So, after talking to both her and some of my other cat loving friends, it hit me – our pets (regardless of species) provide us with some incredible opportunities to appreciate the idiosyncrasies of human communication and relationship building. Since I usually talk about my dogs, this month, let’s talk about cats!

Cats have such a wonderful way with body language and they are very explicit. Wouldn’t it be fun if people communicated in the same way? Yes, people do use body language, but not quite to the same skill level as cats do. Imagine yourself as a cat: a quick turn away and swish of your ‘tail’ to express disdain; pulling your head down toward your shoulders and squinting to indicate suspicion; dropping on the floor and rolling when you want to play. The list goes on and you just have to smile when you think of all the possibilities.

Throughout history, cats have made their presence felt in cultures around the world. For humans with lives as diverse as Cleopatra, Mark Twain and Winston Churchill, these creatures have played an important role. Charles Dickens’ furry friend, The Master’s Cat, would snuff out his reading candle to get attention; President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have allowed his cat, Slippers, to appear at diplomatic dinners; Edgar Allen Poe’s feline companion, Catarina, went everywhere with him and frequently sat on his shoulder when he wrote; according to tradition, Mohammed loved his cat, Muessa, so much that he cut off his robe rather than disturb the cat, who was sleeping on it.

No matter the era, cats truly seem to have figured it all out – and they really do have our number.

It’s amazing how much cats can get away with – exhibiting behaviours we would find unacceptable in our own children, let alone another adult. Cats know just how to play on our emotions, demanding attention until we simply give up and do their bidding.

Have you ever found yourself groveling just to get back in your cat’s good graces? She sits in the window, back turned and pointedly ignoring you because you have offended her in some way (in other words, you haven’t been giving her the attention she so justly deserves or you had the audacity to actually use the word “No.”). You call her name. She turns one ear (“I hear you.”) and then twitches it back (“But I choose not to acknowledge your presence.”). You are crushed and are willing to do just about anything to appease her.

When it comes to determination, cats – regardless of our opinions – will persist in doing whatever they darn well please (strutting along the kitchen counter, opening and exploring every cupboard in the house, surveying their territory from atop the draperies, redecorating with toilet paper) until we simply accept the fact that they are the ones who call the shots.

They also have the uncanny ability to moderate our behaviour in order to accommodate their needs/wants? Do you get out of a warm bed in the middle of the night just to ensure your feline has fresh food and water or a playmate? Do you accept the fact that your computer keyboard is, first and foremost, a sleeping place for your four-legged boss?
And even better, do you automatically begin to relax when you come home from a stressful day of work, because your cat greets you at the door and then flops on his back at your feet for some well-deserved belly rubs?

Consider that boring office meeting – wouldn’t you love to be able to lounge through the door, stretch, cruise the room, sniff your colleagues, yawn and then curl up at the window in the sun?

How about when you really want something (a new appliance, a holiday, a raise) – could you simply sit and stare at the person you wish to influence until you get it?

When it comes to those people you really like, could you rub up against them and purr to show your affection? And those you don’t trust? Well, you could always wrinkle your nose and back away.

And there’s always making a nest and curling up under the duvet for hours on end if you don’t want to do something (wait a minute, we already do that!).

Non-ailurophiles may say we are succumbing to anthropomorphism, but cats really do exhibit human attributes – their tenacity, their unending curiosity, their sense of humour, their ability to love unconditionally (they really do – they only put conditions on how and when they choose to demonstrate that love).

With that in mind, consider the following lessons we can learn from our cats:

• Sleeping and eating are highly fulfilling activities.
• Persistence pays off.
• Patience is a virtue.
• Words aren’t always necessary.
• Cherish each moment and take pleasure in the small joys of life.
• Be honest.
• Don’t be afraid to express yourself.

And last, but certainly not least:

• When in doubt, nap!