February 2025 Edition
Nova, the #TherapyCat, is back with new insights and observations about humans, mental health, and relationships from her unique perspective as a cat. Lots has happened since our October 2024 edition. Most importantly, we had the holidays, and Nova’s experiences through the Christmas season and the beginning of the New Year have provided her with some fresh insights to share.
I love Christmas. All the decorations give me lots of great hiding places. Cats need to hide for sneak attacks against their humans but also to get away from annoying dogs (I told you about that lovable nuisance, Moose) that visit. This was one of my favorite places to tuck into this Christmas—right under the tree and behind all the nutcrackers. We all need a retreat, sometimes away from the chaos and noise. I recommend you find you a space that you can use as a safe retreat.
Play is a foundation for joy. My human owner wrote about this in last month’s blog (Read that here). I like to play. I still have my kitten spirit, just like you humans need to keep your childlike spirit. And some of the best toys are free, like paper and boxes from Amazon. Can you have some fun with something free and inexpensive? Let’s start by going outside and finding something in nature. I don’t think you can go wrong with getting outside and having fun.
My first video content. WooHoo! I want to show you my youthful enthusiasm; this is the first video to make that cut. I am so excited. I had been surprising my humans all morning, and they never seemed to realize I was hiding to pounce.
Here is what I have learned from pouncing. Joy is relational. It is hard to have joy alone—you need to share it with others. When I make my humans laugh, I get to laugh with them. There is nothing much better than that.
I like to observe. This is one of my favorite spots to perch and watch. From here, I can see, think, and even plan the next steps for fun. Perching requires sitting still, which I am still learning to do, but there is value in long perching times. Watching and waiting gives your mind time to think. Humans need to watch and wait, too—we act and speak too fast. So find a perching spot and watch the world for a bit so your mind can rest.
Speaking of rest, you know I really like it. I have advised you before that you need to get your rest. This is one of my favorite resting spots. It is right beside my human mom. Even though I annoy her sometimes she is a favorite to sit and rest beside. Do you have a favorite person to rest beside? I recommend you find time to be by your favorite person. Even better, tell your favorite person that you like to rest beside them because they make you feel safe.
Resting beside your favorite person is one thing. Even better is getting comfort. Do you ever need comfort? I do. I let my people know by climbing in their lap, rubbing on them, and lying close. I will be honest: I am not the snuggliest of cats. This picture is a rarity. And it is ok to not necessarily be highly snuggly. But it does not mean that we don’t need it sometimes. So if you need it, you can just ask for it from your favorite people. I am glad to live with my two favorite people.
I talk with my eyes. We cats don’t have words. These eyes are telling you that I am energetic and hyped up. My pupils are enormous. This usually means that I am about to do something impulsive. Impulsive choices can be alright, but I have learned they usually get me in trouble, like chasing and biting my human’s ankles. I don’t know why they don’t like that. I would be ok if they did that to me, but they are too tall (plus I am too fast). If you have trouble making impulsive choices, maybe go back to perching (see above) before deciding what to do.
Ahhh! Just right. I hope you can find a “just right” spot. When you find one, don’t leave too quickly—enjoy it. Until next time, I will just stay here for a while.
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