Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, July 29, 2017

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 29, 2017 
8JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 29, 2017 
8
WHERE ARE YOU AT, 
SCAREDY CAT? by Chris LeclercHappy Tails

Over the course of the 7 years I’ve been in thisas a stranger coming to visit. As usual, put your catbusiness, I’ve noticed a few of the felines I care for in the safe place just moments before their arrival,
respond with some semblance of fear the first time Ithen when your friend arrives, open the door toentered their home. It’s a classic story told by manythe safe area and allow the cat to can come out at 

There are manyare woven in as well. Pranayama and Mantra

cat owners, wherein a person with whom the catit‘s own will and in it’s own time. 

integral parts of aare the two fastest ways to change the mind.

is unfamiliar, walks through the front door only toOnce your cat has decided it is safe enough

well-rounded yogaPranayama regulates the breath and immediately

see the kitty’s bouncing behind disappear down theto emerge from the back room, have the invited

practice. What changes physiology. Mantra practice soothes

hallway, as he high-tails it into another room to seek“stranger” stand at a distance from where the cat 

many people thinkand nourishes the mind through sustained one-

refuge beneath a bed or a couch.decides is comfortable, and reward the cat with a 

is yoga is not reallypointed focus and absorption of the meaning of

Although there is usually no apparent reason treat and/or a soothing praise each time he is willing

yoga at all. It’s just exercise or another distractionthe sound. Meditation is a continual opportunity

for a typically-friendly feline’s fearful response to ato get closer to the visitor. The goal is to gradually

from life. A student could practice asana, theto find this oneness with body, mind and soul.

stranger, it happens quite often. And even thoughdecrease the space between the two, by rewarding

physical practice, without really experiencingIt’s the time to observe, listen and experience

most of the time, the individual who just arrivedthe cat each time he remains calm and allows the 

yoga. And a student who’s experienced yogamoments of bliss. 

and entered the home is indeed a cat lover, they arenewcomer to come closer. 

through meditation for example, could have neverIn short, yoga is more than just asana. It’s all of

still a person whom the cat has yet to get to know,Take note that the “approaching process” should

practiced asana.these tools I mentioned and much more. Yoga is

so the cat assumes there may be danger and runs tobegin from a distance at which your cat shows no

Yoga means union. It’s a practice and a state ofa state of being, a philosophy and a practice. In

take cover. Why do cats behave in this manner, andsigns of anxiety or arousal. He should be completely

being. It’s a union of the body and mind with thebuilding a practice, we want to be moving towards

how can we humans help them relax and enjoy thecalm to start with, and remain calm and confident 

soul, our highest self and divinity within. To makethis “union” or “yoke” of finite self and infinite self:

company of a new-found friend when they comeas your friend moves into the cat’s space, eventually

this possible, it’s important to tame the mind andbody, mind, soul.

calling?coming close enough to reach out and pet the cat.

create a peaceful, calm, and (mostly) undistracted Come see us at Yoga Madre, and let us help you

One reason why a cat might run and hideKeep your voice calm and offer comments of praise

state. build a solid practice that makes life joyful and

upon the arrival of a stranger, is because he hadalong the way. Try to avoid excessive movement

In yoga we use the physical practice or asanacomfortable. Visit the website at www.yogamadre.

limited exposure to humans other than his owneruntil the cat becomes more comfortable over 

as a way to create free flow of energy and buildcom, or feel free to email me at keely@yogamadre. 

as a youngster. If a kitten is not introduced to atime. Repeat these simple steps as frequently as

awareness. As a student progresses in practice,com. 

variety of people during his socialization stage (3-9you possibly can. It may take some time for your

we begin to use all tools yoga has to offer:

weeks old), he will likely be more apprehensivecat to show progress, but be patient and be aware

Pranayama, Meditation and Mantra. Over time,Namaste and Love, 

of interacting with strangers as an adult. Anotherthat your efforts are helping to improve your cat’s

other advanced practices that include the BandhasKeely Totten

reason is that a visit from a human friend is often quality of life.

(energetic locks of the body), Kriya, and Mudra E-RYT 500, Yogi, Teacher Trainer, Mom 

accompanied by increased noises and movementThis process of coaching a cat into becoming moreduring the initial greeting, and from a cat’sfamiliar with other humans may seem silly to folksperspective that might be interpreted as chaos towho are not friends of the feline, but I know there are 
be avoided at all costs. many devoted cat lovers out there who will benefit

There are a few simple techniques that have provenfrom this bit of information to help make a differenceto be helpful in preventing a cat from becomingin the relationship they have with their cat.
afraid of people whom they’ve never met, and as itI hope you do find these tips helpful and I wish youis with most exercises, the more consistently you areall the best success as you work toward socializing

Hey, You!strategic.

willing to practice these techniques with your kitty,your kitty cat. Try to understand what is going on

I know we are all here in We have talked about the power of decision

the better are your chances for success.in the mind of our feline. We humans like to think 

these streets making big plansbefore. 

First, provide your cat with a “safety-zone” in we relate to our pets, so it behooves us to do our best

and doing big things, right?We must decide to act. We must determine what 

an out-of-the-way location, such as a back room to understand their perspective, and work on the

What? You aren’t exactly doing our dream and that’s the fun part. Asking ourselves

THE MISSING PAGE 
Real Life Tips from LIfe's Instruction Manual 
where the sound of knocking or a door bell will relationships we have with them. Most importantly,

anything, have you been stuck thinking and inspiring questions sparks our imaginations.

be muffled. Be sure to include a comfortable as humans we must be kind to the animals, always.

wondering? Are you in a perpetual state of inertia?My favorite question to ask myself is, “What

resting spot, a fresh bowl of water and a litter box. Don’t forget to love and let live!

Why might that be?would I love?” 

Give the cat a special treat along with a favorite Source: Best Friends Magazine 


If fear has you stuck, then fear is keeping youRather than make a vague general statement like

interactive toy when you take him 

from your destiny. The life of your dreams canI want to travel more, I’d identify the locations I

to the safe area, just moments 

be yours for the living, but you will need to learnwant to visit and set a timeframe. “I want to go on

before your guest arrives. Allow 

to handle your fear. Do not make the mistake of a Mediterranean cruise in the Spring of 2018.” 

the cat to remain in the safe place 

waiting for the fear to disappear, and then plan toIdentify what you what. Set a target date and

for the duration of the visit, the 

take action, because that’s never going to happen.quantify the goal with specificity.

first few times you have a guest in 

Fear is here to stay, think of it as the eternal hook As allow your imagination to soar, sink into the

your home.

up. Historically, fear played an essential role in ourfeelings you want to experience.

Next, try to follow this series

survival as a species and helped us to stay alive.Train yourself to act in spite of your fear and

of behavioral modification steps

Fear is hard wired into us to help to recognize andwatch what happens.

consistently, to help your cat 

appreciate dangerous conditions and situations. As I would love for you to share how you will use

become more comfortable around 

we have evolved as humans, we do not encounter this tip. Write to me at Lori@LoriAHarris.com 

visitors: Ask a friend or relative 

danger as regularly as we once did. Most of us haveand share one of your dreams. 

who does not live with you to act 

a regular source of food, and it’s as easy as makinga call or going to the market. We don’t encounter Lori A. Harris is a lawyer and success coachwild animals at every turn. Our brains that are that helps women who want to live their very bestdesigned to use fear to keep us safe have not caughtlives now. You can learn more about her at www. 
up with our relatively safe lives.LoriAHarris.com and download her app the

TWIN TABBY GIRLS 

If fear isn’t going anywhere, then how do weGratitude Train; find it free in Google Play and the


get the lives of our dreams? It requires us to be App Store. 

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See us online at: 
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