scientists suspect cats are in some kind of meditate state most of the time - image credit shamashalidina.com

For years, mindfulness experts have studied the human ability to be present, to embrace the moment, and to cultivate a sense of deep awareness. But new research suggests that we’ve been looking for wisdom in the wrong place.

After an extensive multi-year study, scientists have concluded that cats have already mastered mindfulness—without even trying.

The Science of Feline Zen

these cats seem to be meditating in community - some kind of cat sangha - Image credit shamashalidina.com

Dr. Mia O’Whiskerson, lead researcher at the Metacognitive Ethology Of Whiskers (or MEOW for short), recently presented findings at a prestigious mindfulness conference.

“We observed hundreds of cats in their natural environments—lounging on windowsills, knocking objects off tables, and staring at walls for long periods,” she explained.

“What we found was astonishing: cats exist in a state of pure awareness almost all the time.”

According to the study, while humans struggle with meditation, cats seamlessly drift into deep mindfulness states without the need for apps, guided meditations, or overpriced silent retreats in the mountains.

“They are effortlessly present. They don’t check their emails. They don’t ruminate about the past. They sit, they breathe, and they exist.”

The findings suggest that if humans could emulate even 1% of a cat’s attitude toward life, stress levels worldwide would plummet.

The Pillars of Feline Mindfulness

cat’s brain been scanned. seemed to be in a deep cat-alpha brain state. ai image. no cats were harmed in the making of this cat scan. image credit shamashalidina.com

The research uncovered four key principles of cat mindfulness that humans might benefit from adopting:

1. The Art of Staring Into Nothingness

• Scientists found that cats frequently engage in “Deep Nothingness Contemplation,” sometimes for hours at a time.

• Humans might label this as “spacing out” or “existential dread,” but for cats, it is a deliberate practice of pure presence.

2. The Sacred Ritual of the Afternoon Nap

• Unlike humans, who push through fatigue with caffeine, cats surrender fully to the call of sleep.

• One test subject, Mr. Fluffington, reportedly napped for 19 hours straight, achieving a level of relaxation not seen in any known meditation practice.

3. Non-Attachment to Material Possessions (Including Yours)

• True enlightenment requires letting go. Cats demonstrate this by knocking items off shelves with complete emotional detachment.

• “Does this cup of tea matter?” your cat ponders, before gently pushing it off the counter to test the limits of impermanence.

4. The Purr: The Ultimate Sonic Meditation

• Scientists believe that a cat’s purring is a self-induced form of deep vibrational healing.

• Humans try to replicate this effect with Tibetan singing bowls, but no sound bath has matched the vibrational purity of a purring tabby.

• One recommendation: try lying on your back and purring for a while—your blood pressure might thank you.

Taking It a Step Further: Are Cats Actually Zen Masters?

the original cat scan….a cat being scanned. not cats were scanned in the making of this image. credit: shamashalidina.com

As research deepened, more controversial theories began to emerge:

• Some scientists now believe that cats are reincarnated Zen monks, here to teach us patience (via ignoring us) and humility (via walking away mid-cuddle).

• An MRI scan of a cat’s brain revealed activity that suggests they are permanently in a deep meditative state—except when demanding food.

• In a curious experiment, researchers tried to out-meditate a cat in a silent room. They all broke after 10 minutes, while the cat—named Tofu—remained still for three hours, blinking only once.

Evidence That Cats May Have Reached Full Enlightenment

cats are happy because they’re not attached to stuff. they seem to be teaching us lessons everyday. image credit: shamashalidina.com

In a follow-up study, researchers placed cats next to highly stressed individuals and observed:

✅ The individuals calmed down just by watching the cat stretch.

✅ Heart rates slowed as subjects listened to purring.

✅ Feelings of existential dread disappeared as test subjects watched a cat knock a priceless vase off a shelf.

One researcher noted:

“I thought I had control over my life. Then my cat stared me directly in the eyes and pushed my phone off the table. I realised—I am clinging to illusion. My phone is leading to a phony life.”

The First Ever Cat-Led Meditation Retreat

cats could be leading most meditation retreats in the near future. Image credit: Shamashalidina.com

Inspired by these findings, a new cat-led mindfulness retreat is launching this year. The program includes:

• “Let Go of Your Attachments” – An interactive session where a cat randomly steals your belongings and hides them under the sofa.

• “The Zen of Waiting” – A workshop where participants must wait by a door for a cat to decide if it wants to go outside or not.

• “Mastering the Purr” – A sound healing experience featuring 50 cats purring in unison.

• “Chasing the Illusion” – An intensive mindfulness exercise where participants attempt to catch a laser pointer, only to learn that fulfilment is an illusion.