Thanksgiving Purrs of Thanks From A to Z by Layla Morgan Wilde
Ah, Thanksgiving – a time when gratitude takes center stage, and for those of us who share our lives with feline companions, there’s so much to appreciate.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the four-legged philosophers who shares my home. My cats don’t just live with me – they teach me the art of gratitude in ways no human ever could.
Every cat has a story, and every story is a testament to gratitude. Mine began in a shelter, a tiny ball of fur with eyes that spoke volumes. The day I brought Odin home 14 years ago wasn’t just an adoption – it was a mutual rescue. It prompted more Thanksgiving Reflections. I did my first A to Z of Gratitude in 2011 Giving Thanks from A to Z
which has became an annual event. Enjoy a couple others like Mancat Monday Cats ThanksGIVING From A to Z or Thanksgiving Purrs of Gratitude When Life Sucks
Thanksgiving isn’t just an emotional journey – it’s a biological experience of gratitude, especially for cat lovers.
Beyond the visible, there’s a complex network of connection. My cat doesn’t just share my space – she shares my emotional eco-system.
Join me on an alphabetical journey of thankfulness that celebrates the furry friends who make our world. I’ve included some (edited by felines) vintage magazine cover art.
A is for Affection
Appreciation begins with the unconditional love our cats bring. Those soft purrs, gentle head bumps, and midnight cuddles remind us that love comes in the most unexpected, fur-covered packages. Affection with cats is a nuanced, profound communication that transcends words. It’s not just about the occasional pet or treat – it’s a deep, almost spiritual connection that begins with trust.
The way a cat shows affection is nothing short of miraculous. A slow blink – what experts call a “cat kiss” – is more intimate than any human declaration of love. It’s a moment of vulnerability, a signal that says, “I trust you completely.”
B is for Bonding Beyond Species
Bonding with a cat is a journey of mutual discovery. It’s about learning a language without words, understanding subtle shifts in body language, and creating a connection that defies biological boundaries. Each cat comes with a unique personality – some are social butterflies, others are reserved philosophers who observe the world from their favorite perch.
Between the playful moments and quiet companionship, our cats create unbreakable bonds that transcend words. They’re not just pets – they’re family members who choose us as much as we choose them.
C is for Comfort
Countless evenings spent with a warm, purring cat nestled in our lap provide more comfort than any thanksgiving feast ever could. Their presence is a balm to our souls, healing stress and loneliness with each gentle breath.
D is for Dependability
– Dependency: A Mutual Understanding
Dependency gets a bad reputation, but with cats, it’s a beautiful dance of mutual care. They depend on us for food, shelter, and medical care. We depend on them for emotional support, unconditional love, and those moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
Cats often know our schedules better than we do. They might wake up precisely five minutes before your alarm, sit by her food bowl when it’s mealtime, and has an internal clock that rivals any digital device. But it’s more than routine – it’s a deep, interconnected relationship where cat lovers learn to anticipate each other’s needs.
Dependable companions through thick and thin, our cats are always there. Whether we’re celebrating or struggling, they remain our constant, offering silent support and unwavering loyalty.
E is for Entertainment (from the beginning of time)
Every cat owner knows the pure joy of watching their feline friend’s antics. From midnight zoomies to box-sitting shenanigans, they bring endless laughter and lightheartedness to our lives. This is nothing new.
Cats are living, breathing performance artists. Whether it’s the inexplicable fascination with an empty cardboard box, the gravity-defying leaps, or the ability to transform a simple piece of string into an epic adventure, they bring continuous wonder into our lives.
And E is for Emotional Intelligence: Their intuitive companionship teaches empathy.
F is for Fur Therapy and Family ( Chosen connections)
Forget expensive treatments – the simple act of stroking soft fur can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and bring immeasurable peace. Our cats are natural healers, one pet at a time.
Family is a word Odin and Otto have redefined. Rescued and brought together, they’re more than just cat companions – they’re brothers by choice, adventure partners who share an unspoken language. Watch them prepare for a hike, and you’ll see a choreographed dance of mutual support. Odin, with his one-eyed vigilance, seems to keep watch while Otto scouts ahead, their movements synchronized despite their different personalities.
Their definition of family extends beyond themselves. They’ve welcomed new humans, other pets, and unexpected companions with a grace that speaks to their resilient spirits. A rescued cat understands the true meaning of family – it’s not about blood, but about connection.
G is for Gratitude
How blessed are we to share our lives with these magnificent creatures. This Thanksgiving, I’m profoundly grateful for every whisker, every purr, every moment of feline magic.
Gratitude flows endlessly in a cat lover’s heart. For the midnight purrs that soothe our anxieties. For the gentle head bumps that greet us after a long day. For the trust shown when a formerly fearful rescue cat finally falls asleep on our lap. For the silent companionship during life’s hardest moments, and the shared joy in life’s smallest pleasures. We’re grateful for early morning wake-up calls (even at 4 AM), for the privilege of being chosen as their human, and for the honor of providing a forever home to these remarkable beings who make our lives infinitely richer through their presence.
H is for Home
Home is where the cat is. They transform our living spaces into sanctuaries of love, turning four walls into a warm, welcoming haven filled with their unique personality. It’s our responsibility to keep our cats safe in their home. Can Cats Eat Turkey & Thanksgiving Gratitude
I is for Individuality
Inherently unique, each cat has a distinct personality. From the sassy tabbies to the gentle giants, they teach us to celebrate our differences and embrace our true selves.
I is for Inspiration – Rewriting Narratives
Inspiration is not about perfection, but about possibility. Odin and Otto shatter every stereotype about senior cats, about rescue animals, about limitation. One-eyed Odin scales rocks with a precision that would make mountain goats jealous. Otto navigates urban landscapes with the confidence of a seasoned explorer.
Their GPS tracks tell stories of courage – trails conquered, obstacles overcome, boundaries pushed. They inspire not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of extraordinary living. My cats have been my inspiration and muses for decades and I’m not alone. Countless artists and writers have been inspired by cats to create in every possible medium.
J is for Joy
Jumping, playing, or simply lounging – cats bring pure, unbridled joy into our lives. Their ability to find happiness in the simplest moments is a lesson we could all learn from.
K is for Kindness
Kindness comes naturally to cat lovers. Caring for these sensitive souls teaches us compassion, patience, and the art of unconditional love.
L is for Love
Love that knows no bounds – that’s what our cats give us. They don’t judge, they don’t hold grudges, they simply love with their entire being.
And Living in the Moment: They don’t worry about past disappointments or future uncertainties. Each moment is a gift to be fully experienced.
Love, for Odin and Otto, is a verb. It’s not about constant affection, but about consistent presence. Their love is strategic, calculated, yet profoundly deep. A gentle head bump, a synchronized purr, a calculated positioning during moments of human vulnerability – these are their love languages.
They love not with blind adoration like many dogs, but with a wisdom that seems to understand the complexities of human emotion.
M is for Memories
Moments captured in photographs, silly videos, and quiet cuddles become treasured memories that we’ll cherish long after they’re gone. Each day with them is a gift.
N is for Nurturing
Nurturing our cats means more than providing food and shelter. It’s about creating a safe, loving environment where they can truly thrive.
O is for Ongoing Companionship
One of the greatest gifts of cat ownership is the ongoing companionship. Through life’s ups and downs, they remain our most loyal friends.
O is for Optimism – A Daily Choice
Optimism is their default setting. Despite age, despite past challenges, they approach each day with a spirit of adventure. Every sunrise is an invitation, every path a potential adventure. Cats see the world not as it is, but as it could be.
P is for Purrs
Powerful healing vibrations, purrs are more than just a sound – they’re a language of love, comfort, and connection. Scientific research has shown that a cat’s purr operates at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz – a range known to promote bone density, reduce swelling, and aid in healing. But beyond the physical, there’s an emotional healing that defies medical explanation.
Q is for Quiet Moments
Quiet moments of connection – a cat sleeping beside you, watching the world go by together – these are the times we’re most grateful for.
Q is for Quintessence – The Essence of Spirit
Quintessence – the pure and concentrated essence of something. For Odin and Otto, it’s their unbreakable spirit. They embody resilience, adventure, love in its most pure form. More than cats, they are living philosophies of joy and survival.
R is for Rescue – Second Chapter
Rescue is more than a moment – it’s a lifelong journey. Odin and Otto’s rescue wasn’t just about saving them, but about giving them a platform to become their most extraordinary selves. Their GPS-tracked adventures are a daily celebration of that second chance.
Rescuing a cat isn’t just about saving an animal; it’s about gaining a family member and making the world a little bit better, one adoption at a time.
S is for Sanctuary
Surrounded by our feline friends, our home becomes a sanctuary of peace, love, and understanding. Stress Reduction: Cats lower cortisol levels, creating a natural emotional buffer. Simplicity: While humans complicate gratitude, my cat finds joy in a cardboard box, a sunbeam, or a random piece of string.
T is for Thanksgiving
Truly, every day feels like Thanksgiving when you have a cat. They remind us to be grateful for the simple things in life.
T is for Transformation – Beyond Limitations.Transformation is their most remarkable gift. From shelter cats to adventure companions, from survival to thriving – they’ve redefined what’s possible. Age is not a limitation; it’s an opportunity.
U is for Unconditional
Unconditional love – the purest gift our cats give us. No judgments, no conditions, just pure, honest affection. U is for Unexpected – Embracing Surprise
Unexpected moments are their specialty. A sudden play session, a perfectly timed comfort during human stress, an impromptu adventure – Cats live in the beautiful space of spontaneity.
V is for Vulnerability
Vulnerability shared between a cat and their human is a beautiful thing. They see us at our most raw and love us anyway.
W is for Whiskers
Whiskers that twitch with curiosity, whiskers that brush against our skin – small details that make our hearts full. And W is for Wisdom – Silent Philosophers
Wisdom radiates from their very being. A calculated look, a strategic head bump, a perfectly timed purr – they are silent philosophers teaching lessons about life, love, and resilience.
X is for Xenial (Hospitable)
Xenial spirits, our cats welcome us home, make space for us in their world, and create a sense of belonging.
Y is for Yielding- Adaptable Souls
Yielding doesn’t mean weakness. It means adaptability, a willingness to flow with life’s changes while maintaining their core spirit.
Yielding to the love and joy they bring, we become better humans through their presence.
Z is for Zeal – Living Fully
Zeal – passionate enthusiasm. It’s not just a word for Odin and Otto – it’s their life philosophy. Every day is an adventure, every moment a celebration.
Zeal for life – something our cats teach us every single day. They approach each moment with curiosity, playfulness, and unbridled enthusiasm.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t just about listing things we’re thankful for. It’s about recognizing the profound connections that shape our lives. My cats are more than a pet – They are a teacher, a healer, a comedian, and a constant source of wonder.
To all the cat lovers out there, may your Thanksgiving be filled with purrs, slow blinks, and the extraordinary love of your feline companions.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for my feline companions, Odin and Otto – and for you dear reader. Happy Thanksgiving!
Purrs and gratitude,
Layla
