(ARA) - Cats are typically known for lounging around, sleeping and getting into mischief. They are also known to linger in the same place or give an intense stare that leaves many people thinking their cat is vying for their attention. But did you know these acts may actually be a sign of an ancient Chinese art that helps bring balance to the home?
Feng shui, the art of dealing with the structure and flow of living environments, is popular among people looking to create harmony and balance in their home. Whether it's positioning your living room furniture in an octagon shape for optimal conversation or adding water to your environment, such as a fountain or aquarium, to keep things clean and smooth flowing, there are many ways to maximize the positive forces in your home. The good news is cat owners don't have to rely solely on a feng shui expert to create the ultimate haven; they can do it with the help of their very own feline friend.
"Cats are naturally drawn toward the flow of energy in the home and many of the common principles of feng shui," said Carole J. Hyder, feng shui consultant, cat lover, and author of "Wind and Water: Your Personal Feng Shui Journey." "In order to create a more positive environment, cat owners need to observe their cats' behavior and work with them to identify areas that could use rearranging to create the perfect setting for everyone."
One of the most common suggestions of feng shui is to keep a tidy home. If your cat is able to meander freely through a clutter-free environment, she will help bring a well-balanced flow of energy throughout the house. If there are areas she can't get to because of piles of papers or boxes, it means the energy is stuck. In addition, the center of your home represents general well-being for you and your pet. So, try placing something yellow in this spot, like a plant or chair, or create a place where your cat can linger. By doing so, you will bring good energy to you and your cat's health.
Balance Through Nutrition
Just as we want healthy and balanced living for ourselves, we want the same for the pets who share our lives and homes. Cat owners intuitively know that foods packed with a variety of natural ingredients are the best for their own total wellness and want to apply a similar lifestyle approach to their feline friends.
"Good feng shui simulates nature and natural living," said Hyder. "By feeding cats natural, high-quality foods, you nourish their energy on many levels."
Naturals Plus Vitamins & Minerals from Purina Cat Chow brand Cat Food delivers whole grains, real chicken, salmon and the goodness of leafy greens that are sure to keep cats nourished so they are able to help create a positive flow of energy at home. The formula has a cat-tested, cat-approved great taste and is ideal for everyday feeding.
Feng Shui Tips for You and Your Cat
Even though cats have a natural affinity toward the flow of energy, they still need a little help from their human counterparts to create the ultimate balance in their life. Hyder and Purina Cat Chow offer the following feline tips to optimize a cat's total well-being:
* If the litter box is placed in a prominent location, put a small screen around it to minimize its presence and assure your cat's privacy.
* Be sure to keep your cat's water dish clean and refreshed daily for optimal well-being.
* Just as you want to have a quiet, inviting place to eat your meals, provide your cat with a secluded place to eat. Make sure it's out of the flow of traffic and away from the garbage container or litter box.
* If you have an outdoor cat, encourage her to come in and out of the front door whenever possible to uplift the overall energy of the house.
* Knowing that humans need their own private time to reflect and center themselves, provide two or three secondary sleeping spots for your cat that are hidden and quiet.
* Don't store things under the bed, as it will restrict the flow of energy while you're sleeping. Furthermore, you prevent your cat from getting under there to keep the energy gently moving.
For more information about incorporating feng shui into the home, or to take a personalized quiz to determine how naturally balanced you are, cat lovers can log onto www.catchow.com/naturals.
