Best Self Magazine

The Karma of Cats: The Soul Prints of Our Feline Friends

The Karma of Cats: The Soul Prints of Our Feline Friends by Kelly McGonigal. Photograph o a small grey cat with blue eyes by Myles Yu
Photograph by Myles Yu

How an unlikely love story with a feral cat left one woman questioning, who is actually protecting whom? 

INTRO

*Diana Ventimiglia, Editor of The Karma of Cats, steps from behind her editing desk and shares some of her own feline friend musings as an introduction to Kelly McGonigal’s article, below.  

As the owner of a 17lb. tuxedo cat, I knew I’d love working on The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom from Our Feline Friends, but editing this book has turned out to be one of the most fun and insightful experiences I’ve had in a while. As any cat owner, I’ve learned to cultivate patience (I’m looking at that coffee mug you knocked over, Phillip), as well as acceptance that I won’t always get the cuddles I want. The love I have for my cat runs deep, and I’ve always cherished the ways he’s enhanced my life. Editing this collection of essays, though, has helped me realize just how profound my connection to my cat is and has given me a newfound respect for all that Phillip teaches me. 

In many ways, Phillip exemplifies much of how I’d like to live my life… he doesn’t care what others think of him, he expresses himself fully unafraid of judgment, he’s focused, determined and resilient. All of these essays crack open such lessons and celebrate the very unique bonds we have with our feline friends. They’re honest, sometimes funny, and extremely heartfelt. I encourage anyone who has a cat, or just has a. You’ll be sure to laugh, cry, and walk away eager to hug your furry friend. 

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