Five Ways to Make 2024 the Year of the Cat

The lunar new year will begin on February 10, 2024, and this upcoming year will be the year of the wood dragon. The Chinese zodiac has a rotation of 12 animals and 5 elemental affiliations (earth, fire, metal, wood, and water). Legend has it the cat’s absence from the zodiac is down to the rat’s dishonesty. 

One version of the story goes the Jade Emperor’s advisors selected 12 animal candidates with the emperor to decide the order of the cycle. The cat was amongst this initial list but rather unwisely entrusted the rat with waking him up on time the following day. The rat chose to let the sleeping cat lie and the unfortunate feline missed the whole thing. A pig was roped in at the last minute as a replacement. The rat stole the show by playing the flute on the back of the ox and was chosen to begin the cycle, followed by that rather obliging ox. Another version has the rat betray his once-good friend the cat during a swimming race by pushing him into the water as they were being carried across by the ox. Forever embittered by one rat’s chicanery, cats became the mortal enemy of the rat. Frankly, that seems quite fair.

So even though the cat was cruelly snubbed all those years ago, we’ll make some amends by offering five ways to make 2024 the year of the cat. 

1: Sleep more 

The average cat sleeps anywhere from 12-18 hours a day, meaning our adorable little serial killers get some serious shut-eye in a given day. We humans might not need quite as much sleep as that but the vast majority of us would do well to take a leaf from the book of cat on that one. The list of ill effects of sleep deprivation is a long one and has some serious, permanent repercussions on long-term health. Take care of yourself by prioritizing sleep this year. 

2: Make time for self-care

Cats spend a good 30-50% of their waking hours on grooming. They don’t just do it for vanity but for a range of reasons ranging from temperature regulation to improving circulation. It’s no coincidence that bonded pairs will often groom one another, what better way to show you care? So cats don’t need to be reminded to look after themselves, but sometimes we get a little too wrapped up in the pressures of life. Make some time for yourself this year. You deserve it.

3: Be good to those who are good to you

One of the most prevalent (and annoying) myths about cats is they aren’t affectionate. Often compared unfavorably to dogs, cats are unfairly decried for not sharing the characteristics of an entirely different animal. Cats are, in fact, incredibly loving creatures to those who have earned that love. Studies have shown that cats feel secure attachment to their caregivers and when given a choice between their staff and a perfect stranger, will go to their favorite humans the overwhelming majority of the time. That’s what makes bonding with one so rewarding, if a cat chooses you, you have truly earned that love. 

In 2024, show that same consideration to those who are worthy of it. 

4: ‘No’ is a complete sentence 

Somewhat related to point three and probably the source of the misunderstanding around cats, is that our feline friends have a very low tolerance for BS. When they’ve had enough, they will tell you, thank you very much. They never feel the need to appease those who pester them and neither should you.

5: Stretch more

In 1914 a travelling German acrobat had the misfortune to be in England during the outbreak of World War One. He and his crew were confined to a prison on the Isle of Man for the duration of the hostilities. To occupy the hours of boredom, he developed a fitness regime based on his observation of the island’s many cats. Joseph Pilates knew the cats were onto something and his ideas soon found a global audience.

Cats stretch for the same reasons people should - for better circulation, muscle and joint health, stress relief, and the release of endorphins. As a bonus, cats stretch in the presence of favored humans as a sign of affection and trust. 

What better way to realize this aim than by practicing yoga alongside cats? Better yet, why not do a yoga class taught by an experienced instructor while surrounded by adorable (and adoptable) cats? You’re in luck, on January 17th, 2024 you can do just that. Give the Luna Cat Cafe a message or call to reserve your spot.

See here for a needlessly in-depth guide on how to get the most out of cat yoga.