Cats Do Not Cling | The Way of Life of "Letting Go" Learned from Cats

Through my work with rescue cats and my life with cats, I have received many insights from them. And even now, I am taught various things every day.

Among them, one theme that makes me think in particular is "letting go."

When people hear the word "letting go,"

letting go of attachment,
wanting nothing,
giving up,
going with the flow

some people might have such images.

However, when I watch cats, I sometimes feel that it is a little different from "true letting go."

Cats do not cling to "results"

Cats are creatures that look very free.

They will come to be petted if they feel like it, and if they don't like it, they will quietly walk away. They make demands firmly when they want something, but they rarely cling to it and drag it on forever.

For example, even if they are meowing to ask for food, if they realize they won't get it, they might switch gears to a certain extent and start sleeping.

When they want to play, they will invite you with all their might, but if they are ignored, they might find another way to enjoy themselves on their own.

In other words, cats do take "action" properly.

But they do not cling strongly to the results.

I think this might be closer to the original meaning of "letting go."

Letting go does not mean "doing nothing"

Letting go does not mean "doing nothing."

It also does not mean stopping wishing for things.

It is not just waiting, nor is it running away from reality.

You take proper action on what you should do, what you feel, and what you want to convey.

But after that,

"Things must turn out exactly as I want."

Do not keep holding onto that attachment.

That might be what "letting go" truly means.

People hold onto the future too tightly

People inevitably tend to be creatures who harbor feelings like,

I want things to go this way,
I want to be recognized,
I don't want to lose anything,
I've worked so hard, so I want it to pay off,
I want things to go as I planned.

those feelings themselves are not bad.

Of course, those feelings themselves are not bad.

However, when those feelings become too strong, they turn into anxiety and suffering.

When I watch cats, I strongly feel their sense of living in "this very moment."

They don't force themselves to hold onto the future. They don't keep dragging the past along.

They move when necessary. They rest when tired. They walk away when they want to be alone.

And then, they return naturally.

Watching them, I think that "not clinging" might not be "being cold," but rather "a state of trusting the flow."

What I learned from finding foster homes

I often tell myself this feeling of "letting go" when I am looking for foster homes.

Participate in adoption events.
Post on social media.
Reach out to people.

I do the actions I can properly.

But just because a foster home isn't found immediately, I don't get depressed thinking, "My cat isn't popular."

Even if no one contacts me, I don't jump to the conclusion that "this child has no luck."

Surely, when the time comes, the right connection will arrive at the best possible moment.

So, I will go to the next adoption event again. I will keep sharing the message.

That is all.

And sometimes, I feel that the cats themselves understand that flow.

In Conclusion

Cats say nothing.

Yet, sometimes, I feel as though they are quietly seeing right through my heart.

“It is okay to live more lightly.”
“You do not have to try so hard.”
“You do not have to hold onto the results so tightly.”

I feel as if they are teaching me things like that.

That is why I believe that 'letting go,' as learned from cats,

is not about 'giving up,' but rather,

taking action,
but not being too bound by the results,
and not stopping your own flow.

I believe that is the way of being.

What have you learned from cats?