5 Things You Can Learn From Your Pet

Just Being Present is Enough

About a decade ago, I suffered the two greatest losses of my life in quick succession: My sister died of breast cancer, and my marriage ended.

One lonely night when I was experiencing the worst of my grief, my two cats got on the bed and snuggled up to either side of me. They didn’t make a sound; they just stayed there, so close that I actually felt embraced. That was such a powerful lesson in what truly gives comfort. I have never known what to say to a friend who has a terrible illness or who has lost a loved one, but my cats taught me that I don’t need to say anything at all. What matters is showing up.

Susan Logan is the editor of Cat Fancy magazine.