Toe in the Water

Things to Learn from Cats - Part Two

Things to Learn from Cats - Part Two

Cats will take on prey only if it is much smaller than themselves. This is not an indication of cowardice. They are built for ambush, the emphasis being on speed and agility with all excess weight stripped away. As a result, they are lightly muscled and fairly fragile, with slender bones that could easily be broken in any tussle with an animal of similar or greater size.

In contrast, the dog is made for the chase and has strength and stamina built into its frame. Its preference for hunting in packs also means it will happily take much larger prey. So it has a completely different outlook on life compared to the cat.

But the cat’s way is not to be sneered at. It suits the animal and ensures the risk of injury is kept a minimum. In the same way, we need to be circumspect in our meeting the challenges of daily life. It’s no accident that the saying, “Choose your battles well,” is such excellent advice.

We may be able to take on enormous opponents when operating in concert but, when alone, we do better to lie in wait, having the patience to stay still until the moment favours us.


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