By Tanya M. Ursual

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) P.O. Box 256, Lanark, Ontario, K0G 1K0:

This is a compilation of life's lessons learned from a cat. These ideas have come from books, websites, posters and general notes collected over many years. I think perhaps the most important thing a cat can teach us is that life should never be taken too seriously. Be true to yourself as much as possible but when all else fails it is time to adapt. There is no bitterness, hard feelings or resentment. A cat simply wakes up one morning and decides that things have changed and there is a quiet acceptance. Perhaps the cat realizes that the more things change the more they often stay the same. For the outside world may be different but they are who they have always been and will always be. There is a dignity in that and an important lesson for us all......

It's ok to wear the same thing everyday.

Sleeping is very underrated, ... as is stretching.

Remember to wash behind your ears, in between your toes and under your arms

Make your own hours.

Shred all documents.

Money is only paper.

Keep your nails trimmed and hair clean.

Pee without getting any on your feet.

If you don't see it, ask for it.

Counters are the best place to sit in a kitchen

Drink milk

Try not to obsess about cholesterol.

Be hard to leave.

Notice squirrels, investigate shadows, and chase butterflies.

Be curious.

Don't be afraid to take chances.

Take a moment to recover your dignity, but don't dwell on the past too much.

Don't always come when you are called.

Try new things.

Stare unabashedly.

Test limits.

Be tolerant, but not overly accommodating.

Know all the sunny places.

Sometimes you can't explain your actions.

Have a sneeze that is the envy of others.

Challenge yourself.

Share your victories.

Exercise daily.

Go barefoot.

Obey your instincts.

Claim your own chair.

Flaunt your hair loss.

Vary your hangouts.

Make the world your playground.

Recognize the toy in everything.

Make the most of unstructured time.

There is always time for a nap.

Be easy to come home to.

Show affection and contentment.

Everyone is entitled to an occasional mood swing.

The faster you run upstairs, the more likely you are to forget why you went up there in the first place.

There is nothing wrong with changing your mind.

Love unconditionally.

Avoid company you do not like.

Accept that all company may not like you.

Depend on others without losing your independence.

Enjoy your own company.

Be a good listener.

Invite yourself to dinner.

Don't drool.

Scratch when and where it itches.

Get used to silences.

Jump right into the middle of things.

Just because you're home, you don't have to answer the phone.

Ask for attention.

Feel no guilt.

Yawn like you really mean it.

Find a good lap to curl up in.

Be soft.

Be cool.

Be mysterious.

Be able to make someone feel better just by being there.

Make people wonder what you do at night.

Be good at finding things in the dark.

Have a warm bed.

Be loved.

Dream.