Cat Nap

While sitting in front of my "Happy Lite" one Minnesota morning in November, my eighteen month old orange cat Mango, politely asked to be on my lap. She tentatively stepped on to my leg, feeling gently whether or not I would accept her presence on my lap. Ken and I had just been discussing whether cats enjoy the full-spectrum lamp for its light or for its warmth. He was not convinced that a cat would seek out the light for any other reason beside its warmth.

My thought was that cats, being mammals, probably enjoyed the full spectrum of sunlight for some of the same reasons we humans do, including the need for sunlight to activate vitamins and hormones that help us have a pleasant mood. I haven't read any studies on the subject of cats' need for sun, so I don't know the truth. It's only a hypothesis, but I think it's reasonable.

After Ken left the room, Mango settled on to my lap for her morning snooze. As she stretched and sought a comfortable position on her side, she pushed her back against my arm, her paws pushing against my other arm. Eventually, I needed to move my arms, but I didn't want to disturb her sleep. I carefully pulled a folded blanket over to replace the arm she was leaning her back against. She tried out the blanket, but it just wasn't the same as my hand and arm supporting her back, neck and head. After a few minutes, she got up and rotated her body so she was leaning her back against my stomach. As long as I didn't move my legs, she stayed that way and slept contentedly. Her breathing became slow and regular as she warmed my legs with her body curled in a ball.

We all need each other, though we don't always understand why. Warmth, light, comfort, support, a sound board for thoughts, or a push in the right direction are necessary for us to survive in the world. We can't do it alone. We are social animals that can only live so long without another. Some days we need to be surrounded by a friend or two or three. No need to apologize for support.

I am here for you, you are here for me. We need each other.