What Cats Know About Happiness

If you love cats, sharing makes us purrrr :-)

What do cats know about happiness? Everything. My #1 teacher on the subject is Merlin who despite advanced age and kidney disease, sits in the lap of happiness. On the weekend I followed him happily doing his favorite thing exploring our property. Please note: He is always supervised and the property is large, safe and private. I captured a series of images that made me very happy until I realized the time left to photograph is him is finite. I’ll let him share his secrets for happiness.

Merlin: Yes, it’s true. My days are numbered as are the number of photographs to be taken. The question is: What has more value? A) Spending time capturing images frozen in time or B) Spending time capturing memories in the moment?

With A) you are separated from the subject by an artificial filter physically and metaphorically but it creates tangible results.

B) You connect directly with your subject with all your senses without technical or intellectual distractions. There is nothing more power than being fully present. The downside is there is nothing tangible to hold in your hands except a memory and memories fade.

Layla: Having to choose between these two is not making me happy. Is there is a third choice?

Merlin: The choice is not the cause your unhappiness. It’s your attachment to the outcome. You want to have your cake and it eat too. You want to enjoy our dwindling time together and document it for posterity but at what cost?

Layla: Feeling guilty about taking to many photos and not spending enough time with you one-on-one?

Merlin: Guilt is a useless emotion and has zero value.

Layla: By letting go of guilt, I would take the middle path. Less photos but more profound memories.

Merlin: That my dear is the third choice. Middle way. Best way. Happy way.

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Our super happy cat photo Happiness is a Warm Body

19 Comments

Connie Marie

October 25, 2012 at 12:52 AM Reply

Merlin, so wise and beautiful. When I first read the post, I was crying so hard I couldn’t type.
Reading it now I still cry, but the middle road sounds best.
The pictures will comfort in the future, but now being with him, watching him and cuddling, those memories won’t fade. You’ll have memories forever.Take Care.
Lots of PURRS,
Connie

Cherry City Kitties

October 24, 2012 at 6:59 AM Reply

Oh great you two. You just made me cry. Love and Purrs
Carolyn

Penelope

October 22, 2012 at 8:41 PM Reply

Merlin, Yous is so size! When hissy old Licorice was getting. Ready to leave us, he would pose for Mommy. He had never done that before! But he knew Mommy would want especial pictures of him doing his favorite things. Yes, we knew he was almost ready to goes and it was only the last 2 days we knew it was immanent, but Wes all cherishes those pictures!
Yous is a wonderful cat!
Me sends kisses
To Yous, your mates ans especially your Mommy
Nellie

Skeeter and Izzy

October 22, 2012 at 7:24 PM Reply

There is indeed time for both.When you are busy exploring and enjoying your walk then there is time for pictures because you need your space too but the connection can still be made with the caress of a voice that gives reassurance and comfort. Life is truly about balance for there can be no happiness without sadness because constant happiness becomes meaningless. Without the reminder of loss we forget how important life truly is. Moment by moment,breath by breath it will all find balance.
We love you Merlin and we celebrate each glorious moment and breath with you and Layla. Purrs of balance and peace to you both…luv Skeeter and Izzy >^..^<

Abby

October 22, 2012 at 6:14 PM Reply

Merlin
Laila will not regret having the moments frozen digitally nor will she let go of having bonded moments with you. My Mom is always taking pictures of us, and me especially. Because well you never know. It’s just what we kitties have to put up with from time to time.

Be well Merlin
purrs
>^,,^<
✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.