How to take a Cat Nap

Sleep is the best meditation.

I should call this post the “Tao” or “Way” of the cat nap. Especially considering it is fathers day.. No better day for a cat nap right.

Cats sleep for many hours in a day, and you’d think that with all the sleeping they do, that we would be included. I guess not. 

Taking a nap with a cat is an art form…one that takes patience, mindfulness and good intention. 

Taking a nap is a luxury in life. Taking a “cat nap” with cat is divine. I must give a disclaimer here…this post may make you sleepy. Just saying.

There’re proper directions to follow in this process, and the first is to obtain a cat.

Any size will do, but the fluff value is important especially in the winter. In the warmer days, a nice Spinx cat will suffice.

To obtain a cat,  borrow one from a friend or use our own. I wouldn’t suggest taking a nap with a stray even thought it may meow at the door daily. To this cat, we’re a food bowl, not a bed.

Next is to make sure to assess the cuddle-ratio of the cat. This is the potential that the cat will actually stay verses taking off right away. Some cats will cuddle for hours, some for about a minute. If the cat hides when it’s called, forget it. Assess this to make sure to get at least a 20 minute cuddle-ratio. That is enough time to get the effects from the purr…and the nap.

Have an extra cat just in-case the first one takes off. This is a good reason to have more than 2 cats.

Before we pull the cat into a sleeping position, we must take care of the bedding. This is very important as cats have very little patience for human bed fluffing. Either it would be a game and we get a toe attacked, or they’ll get annoyed that we’re not ready for their divine presence. we’ve all seen the cat’s, “I could be sleeping right now, so why are you bothering me look” before right?

There is a reason cats were worshiped many moons ago. They still expect it.

It ‘s time to fluff blankets, get pillows and put everything in reach. Turn off phone or turn down ringer. We do NOT want the cat startled. We will pay a pain price for that.

Once the cat is on our lap or in our arms, any movement will cause the cat to leave.

Now that we are ready, put the cat in position. Be slow in moving and think positive thoughts of “stay kitty.” or you’re “an awesome kitty.”

This is the hardest part… Do not touch the cat. Should I repeat it?

Let the cat believe it’s their idea to stay. Let them cat groom, star at you blankly, or do their comfortable spin-spin-cuddle to get in their sleep position.

Let the cat sit where they may.  If possible, get into the “spoon” position. This is when they lay right next to our chest laying on our side. We can hear the purring and feel the soft whiskers. Ahhhh….

If the cat falls asleep on our arm, it is our decision to determine how many pins and needles we’re willing to endure to get this cat nap in. It’s the warrior path here and everyone must make a sacrifice.

Now that we’re cuddled up, we can pat the cat lightly to commence purring. Do this mindfully and slowly while we watch the cat. Any sudden movement or too much purring will end our nap.

At this point stay away from touching face, paws or bellies. This is very difficult, I know, especially if they roll over on their back, with those adorable curled paws and warm fluffy belly fur exposed.

Resist the temptation, realizing it is only our overactive mind telling us that we “need” to touch the cat.

If we feel “want” we are not being present in the moment. 

If we happen to get a cat who decides to use her kneading paw with a claw, do the best to stay calm and realize that it a Zen way to understand and suffering. This is our opportunity for a bit of insight.

we should start to feel sleepy soon. Hopefully the cat will too.

Be present and enjoy this cause it will probably only last an hour.

Sleep tight kitty-cat and Happy Father’s Day!

KT Cat Paws!