2010-03-12

Observations & Ruminations

I was thinking last night about cats. Mine in particular and some others I have known in general. I came to the conclusion, that the 9 lives cats have are separate reincarnated lives.

I think Sibu is going through his first life. He is adjusting to better hearing, sight and smell than his previous incarnation and that is what makes him such a scaredy cat. He would also be adjusting to seeing things from a different perspective, especially if he was human previously.

He tried to give me CPR the other morning when I wouldn't move. He came and blew into my nose a couple of times, then jumped onto my chest then came and blew into my nose again, at which time I started to laugh, so he sneezed in my face as a reward. I have no idea how he figured out how to blow so hard out his nose, but, it seemed so much like CPR, I figured I had to get up even if I didn't want to.

I suppose this is where the idea about the 9 lives started percolating, it has just taken this long to formulate.

Of other cats I've known:

Shadow will fall into the 4th or 5th life I think. He was not skittery at all, but rather quite sly sometimes. He would put up with Sibu dominating him even though he was the larger cat. (Brother's cat)

Xerxes, used to come and sing with me in the mornings and was still cuddler so I would put him at his 2nd or 3rd life. (Friend's cat)

Kalon must be getting on to 7th or 8th, he is one of those seen it all, done it all cats. He will curl up next to you or on your lap, but only on his terms. If you pet him for more than a couple of strokes, he will either bite you, or leave. (Friend's cat)

Patches was our childhood cat, so I can't really say. I would think he was 2nd or 3rd life, very calm, very cuddly. He used to come and suck on the sleeves of our pj's and knead the bedding on either side of our arms in the mornings. Of course this entailed lying on our forearms, so you would wake up to purring and a wet elbow with your hand and forearm asleep. He'd start with sis and when she got up, move on to me.

Now, I have never really believed in the reincarnation theory. People tell me I am an old soul, if that is the case, maybe my next life I will be a cat. Will that be a cat for the first time? Or because I am already an old soul, will I fall into the 9th life of a cat? Are the 9 lives of a cat consecutive?

For the answers to these and other pressing questions tune in - in your next life ;)

Have a good weekend all!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wonder in what life you would put my cat? Cleopatra is skittish. She was feral for her first 5 months of life, but we've had her ever since and she is now nearly 7 years old. She loves a quiet & calm lap, but will leave if you reposition yourself. She kneads with her claws extended (painful!) and will only put up with having her tummy rubbed for a few moments before she bites.

Are you an "old soul" because you are so wise? :)

Leah J. Utas said...

Excellent theory, Reb. I am so coming back as a cat.

Reb said...

Karen, feral puts a whole new spin on things, she could be anywhere from 3 to 6 lives, I really wouldn't want to guess ;) Wise or wizened - one or the other, lol

Thanks Leah, me too - pampered house cat though.

David Cranmer said...

I think I've met some of these cats. Do you think they got as far as New York?

Reb said...

Of course they did David ;)

Scott Oglesby said...

I love your theory; it makes a lot of sense. I think my cat is on his 2nd or 3rd because even though I saved him from a trash bin death at the age of 3 or 4 weeks, he’s extremely sheltered from harm. He’s an inside cat and never had one bad or scary experience. Yet he’s get unusually spooked by loud or sudden movements that don’t even bother our skitterish dachshund…who’s always freaked out…

I’m just starting to warm up to the idea of reincarnation, probly cause I’m getting a little older lol. But I mean, we’re all energy, and it doesn’t just disappear, it has to go somewhere…..

messymimi said...

Very interesting ideas.

We have skittish cats who are obviously just starting out, and two that nothing flusters, so must have seen it all before.

My father always said that, if reincarnation was true, he wanted to come back as one of my mom's cats, as they were always so spoiled.

Reb said...

So, Scott, are you calling me old? Thhaaannks! :)

Messymimi, your dad is so right...spoiled house cat for me too ;)

the Bag Lady said...

Hubby is always saying he wants to come back as one of my pets.... do you think that means I spoil them?

I'm not sure which life my cats are on - some days the older cat acts like the younger, and vice versa.

Reb said...

Sis, I don't know what would make you think that :) Spoil pets? Not us!

Barbara Martin said...

Cats just have a knack for escaping death or serious accidents which accounts for their 9 lives.

I believe in reincarnation too; but I'm certain that once a soul has reached human status they don't go back into animal bodies.

Cats are very intuitive, Reb, and seem to know what to do around humans when the need arises.

Clare2e said...

Thanks for the Ponderables, Reb! This is the kind of thing I love after hours at our virtual e-pub or coffee klatch.

Frank Baron said...

My jury's out on reincarnation but I certainly believe that all living things (definitely including cats) have a spirit that migrates somewhere upon death.

Reb said...

Barbara, are you saying I can't come back as a cat? Darn!

Clare, it's fun to ponder things like that.

Frank, that's a good thought.

Aunt Jackie said...

Very neato discussion here, I love the topics of reincarnation or anything metaphysical.

I wonder what life Rodney is on??

He is very reserved most of the time, and seems wise, but he has his moments haha

Reb said...

Thanks AJ. Me too!

Janet said...

I love reading about your cats...I miss having cats, but I don't want to deal with the litter lol. Sorry I've been slacking on the words...I thought it would be easy to deal with considering the chemo, but not so much. I'll make a better effort, soon!

Dianne said...

this is fascinating
and brilliant

my Siren is absolutely in his 7th or 8th life

I think Isadora is brand new :)

BSOB said...

Looks like his new life is a life guard - way to go bro! learn to twirl that whistle just right and yell - "No Running!"

Reb said...

Thanks Janet...you can toilet train them! Don't worry, I have been slacking about posting too ;)

Dianne, thanks. Cats are so amazing.

Ben, you may be right, now all I have to do is teach him to yell... oh, wait, he yowls quit well.

Leah J. Utas said...

In a naked attempt to get you to post again I've given you an award. It's at my place.