Is my cat happy to go with me? 13.4.6 to 63

[GreenHazel]

I will have to go to our house in the countryside often in the next few months and I'm not sure what to do with my cat, who's like a brother to me.

It's very hard for me leave him behind with my mom, not because she doesn't love him, but because I know he misses me badly, and so do I. We simply adore each other, and understand each other in a way that is difficult to express. A couple of years ago I had to leave him for 3 weeks and when I got back he had a terrible cystite which he never got completely rid off and the vet said it was the stress of not seeing me. Also, he's a great companion for me in the wild, he loves coming with me for walks and we spend hours birdwatching and day dreaming in the garden together.

On the other side; the journey is LONG. 5 hours with the train + another hour by car. He's very used to it, and he doesn't complain, but I know that cats can play it cool even when scared or stressed. Another reason I'm always a bit worried taking him there is that sporadically there are some stray cats who venture in the garden and he's extremely territorial. Like, hellbound territorial. The last time he was in a fight I ended up at the ER with 16 deep holes in my arms, something I wouldn't like to experience again in this lifetime. Since then, I always have him on a harness and leash when we are out, and I'm still scared, because he literally becomes a tiger when he sees another male cat. I have a very high fence now, but it's not enough to keep other cats out. We also have foxes, wildboars and some eagles. It's a very beautiful place, but yes, it is WILD.

I do believe he's happy there, he has so much more to do, see and experience than in a flat; he seems much more alive, and happier, but I'm wondering lately if it's selfish of me to take him there every time I have to go, and if it's better for him to stay with my mom instead.

So I asked the I Ching: "Is my cat happy to go with me to the countryside or is he happier to stay home with my mother?"
I got Hex 13.4.6 to 63 .

The I Ching never fails to surprise me, of course it gives me and answer that talks of the city and the countryside!

13.4 in the city he's safe, like on a high wall, where nothing can attack him
13.6 in the countryside there will be no regrets, but he won't be too happy either?

I really don't know what to think. The general meaning of both 13 and 63 seem very positive, but I'm not sure for which solution...Hexagram 13 general meaning talks about Union of Forces in the Wild, which makes me think the I Ching is telling me to go for it, but the single lines seem to add more warnings... also Hex 63 talks about caution...

What do you think?

Apologies for the long post, I would really appreciate your insights, I just don't want to project fears or irrealistic dreams on my cat, I'd love to do what's best for him.

Thanks!!

 

[marybluesky]

Hello,

The answer is a bit difficult to read because you have asked practically two questions at the same time.
13.4 shows being between walls, 13.6, with people in harmony outside. To me sounds like staying with your mother.

 

[GreenHazel]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my long post! You are right of course, I often make this mistake, I will try to ask one question at a time next time!

Ok, so being United in the Wild is my dream, but at the present moment, he would be happier staying home with my mother.... I understand. It does makes sense.

Has anyone else has similar experiences with this cast?

Thanks again!

 

[Trojina]

I don't know if you need Yi to answer this question.

If I was the cat I'd want to go with you of course.

We simply adore each other, and understand each other in a way that is difficult to express. A couple of years ago I had to leave him for 3 weeks and when I got back he had a terrible cystite which he never got completely rid off and the vet said it was the stress of not seeing me. Also, he's a great companion for me in the wild, he loves coming with me for walks and we spend hours birdwatching and day dreaming in the garden together.

Perfect. Odd having a cat on a leash but better than a housebound cat. In the UK mostly cats are free to roam wherever they want though unfortunately more people are keeping them inside for life which I could never do. However with all the different wildlife it's a different story where you are I guess. IMO a cat should be as free as possible.

But look at that paragraph. Who would think 'don't take the cat'?

Before anyone complains I'm not looking at Yi it's because I think it's important to get as much mileage as possible first without it. On first reading I don't feel I need Yi.

I do believe he's happy there, he has so much more to do, see and experience than in a flat; he seems much more alive, and happier, but I'm wondering lately if it's selfish of me to take him there every time I have to go, and if it's better for him to stay with my mom instead.

So he loves you and he has a more fulfilling life there. Again if I were the cat I wouldn't need to consult.

So I asked the I Ching: "Is my cat happy to go with me to the countryside or is he happier to stay home with my mother?"
I got Hex 13.4.6 to 63 .

The I Ching never fails to surprise me, of course it gives me and answer that talks of the city and the countryside!

13.4 in the city he's safe, like on a high wall, where nothing can attack him
13.6 in the countryside there will be no regrets, but he won't be too happy either?

I really don't know what to think. The general meaning of both 13 and 63 seem very positive, but I'm not sure for which solution...Hexagram 13 general meaning talks about Union of Forces in the Wild, which makes me think the I Ching is telling me to go for it, but the single lines seem to add more warnings... also Hex 63 talks about caution...

63 often refers to a decision already made whether you know it or not. My decision as channeler of your cat is 'of course I'm coming with you, I love you, nothing matters as much as love now pack my bag let's do it'


BTW I had a similar dilemma years ago but the other way around. We moved from a very remote countryside house to the town. The cat had always run wild catching mice and birds and we thought he wouldn't get used to the road and cars and the whole different environment. So we gave him to my partner's parents who lived in the remote area with fields and barns etc. When I went to visit the cat leapt on me threw his arms around my neck and would not let go. He made it more than clear where he wanted to be. He didn't get on with the other cat there and was subdued and afraid. When we bought him back to the town house to live he just sat on me and purred in my face for about 3 hours he was happy. He adapted easily to town life.

I think he can be happy and that line 4 speaks of good boundaries and so if there are good good enough boundaries such as fences ? I don't know, all the measures you use it should be okay. Line 6 can be quite a remote line but you are going to a more remote area. Hilary's translation seems perfect

'People in harmony at the outskirts altar.
No regrets.'

With line 4

'Climbed to the top of your city walls,
No-one is capable of attack.
Good fortune.'

It's good isn't it?


Yes take him.


I think this answer is really clear.


When I see 63 I often wonder if I have really already made a decision about this.


However my reading of it doesn't necessarily mean it actually is completely the right thing to take him (though I think it is) because you know all the factors so much better than I do so it's still a reading open to interpretation by you.

 

[GreenHazel]

Thank you so much Trojina for all your thoughts and for sharing your experience (really precious one!), you made so many good points that I don't kow where to start from!

Let me start from what you say about Hex 63:

63 often refers to a decision already made whether you know it or not. (...)When I see 63 I often wonder if I have really already made a decision about this.

This is very interesting to me; instinctively, I would say, no, I'm actually here to decide once for all about something that has bugged me forever. Every time I have to go I'm in this dilemma and I really want to take a decision once for all. I love having my cat with me, he's my buddy, he keeps me company, he teaches me to appreciate nature in a way I wouldn't be able to do with a human... at the same time, I don't want to be selfish, and make him miserable with long journeys and putting him at risk. Hence, my doubts. BUT. There's something in what you say which is true. I know that I want to live there one day, and be with him there. It's just not the right time yet, cause I still need to be in the city.
Perhaps the I Ching knows my dream though, this is why it can look like I've already taken a decision? Whether I know it or not I will definitely ponder about this.

Odd having a cat on a leash but better than a housebound cat. In the UK mostly cats are free to roam wherever they want though unfortunately more people are keeping them inside for life which I could never do. However with all the different wildlife it's a different story where you are I guess. IMO a cat should be as free as possible.

I agree with you 100%. I would LOVE to keep him completely free, and he was at the beginning, but he tends to run away and get into horrible fights; plus, yes, the wildlife is truly at our doorstep, the house in in the middle of the woods. In my plans, besides the fence, there's a very big catio, where he'll be able to roam freely but safely. This is actually one of the reason I'm going there, I need to implement this plan, among others. The catio will have high perches where he can observe his territory from above; perhaps this is what the I Ching is referring to when it talks about the high walls? Or the fence, as you say ...
It just confused me because it mentions the City walls...
In any case, I again agree with you; cats shouldn't be sleeping on a sofa all day, indoor.
They are such incredible animals in Nature, once you see what they can do and be it breaks your heart seeing them wasting all their intelligence and phisycal abilities doing nothing all day...

My decision as channeler of your cat is 'of course I'm coming with you, I love you, nothing matters as much as love now pack my bag let's do it'

^ This was so lovely to read ) Thank you for being my cat's channeler. Yes, I think he would say something very similar. He endures 6 hours of journey without meowing once, there must be a reason for that. I think that he knows where he's going, and yes we are together, and that's perhaps enough.

BTW I had a similar dilemma years ago but the other way around. We moved from a very remote countryside house to the town. The cat had always run wild catching mice and birds and we thought he wouldn't get used to the road and cars and the whole different environment. So we gave him to my partner's parents who lived in the remote area with fields and barns etc. When I went to visit the cat leapt on me threw his arms around my neck and would not let go. He made it more than clear where he wanted to be. He didn't get on with the other cat there and was subdued and afraid. When we bought him back to the town house to live he just sat on me and purred in my face for about 3 hours he was happy. He adapted easily to town life.

Thank you also for this. I believe every word. I really don't know who invented the story that cats just love their homes while dogs love their humans.

It is true that the house is "their" house, and it's also true that the place they consider their territory becomes a fundamental part of their identity, but the different ways a cat behaves with someone he or she truly loves is unmistakable. It's real love and no territory can replace that. You are absolutely right, I'm so happy that you brought him back with you.

Thank you Trojina, as always you gave me a lot of food for thoughts. I'm most grateful.

I'll keep you guys posted, and will make sure to write a feedback on this in a while.

 

[Liselle]

BTW I had a similar dilemma years ago but the other way around. We moved from a very remote countryside house to the town. The cat had always run wild catching mice and birds and we thought he wouldn't get used to the road and cars and the whole different environment. So we gave him to my partner's parents who lived in the remote area with fields and barns etc. When I went to visit the cat leapt on me threw his arms around my neck and would not let go. He made it more than clear where he wanted to be. He didn't get on with the other cat there and was subdued and afraid. When we bought him back to the town house to live he just sat on me and purred in my face for about 3 hours he was happy. He adapted easily to town life.

This made me cry (in a good way ).


GreenHazel, as I was reading through I had thoughts but then saw what you wrote about the very big catio, and maybe that could be it! Or part of it anyway. I wish every house cat had a catio (mine included).

Otherwise, I agree with Trojina and also wonder if the two lines simply describe what's good about the two options?

13.4 - if you let him at home with your mother, he'll be completely safe, nothing can attack him.
13.6 - if you take him with you, he'll have harmony with you (and with his surroundings, since he's happy in the country) - and, importantly, Yi says no regrets. Which I'd guess and hope means there won't be any more horrid incidents, since it seems you've come up with ways to keep him/things pretty safe at the country house, too.

I think line 6 sounds more ideal. Line 4 kind of sounds matter-of-fact/ boring/ meh, like, well, at home he'll be completely, 100% safe... ...end of sentence.

 

[Liselle]

I could second-guess that, though. (Sometimes I claim second-guessing as a "talent." )

 

[Trojina]

This made me cry (in a good way ).

Yes it bought back memories of Billy for me, a very emotional and non aloof cat.

I thought both lines 4 and 6 referred to the new place. Good boundaries in the new place means it works out.

I would LOVE to keep him completely free, and he was at the beginning, but he tends to run away and get into horrible fights; plus,

Has he been neutered? I thought it's only non neutered toms that fight? Maybe you're against that but if he isn't it could be a solution to have him 'done'.

Thank you also for this. I believe every word. I really don't know who invented the story that cats just love their homes while dogs love their humans.

It is true that the house is "their" house, and it's also true that the place they consider their territory becomes a fundamental part of their identity, but the different ways a cat behaves with someone he or she truly loves is unmistakable. It's real love and no territory can replace that. You are absolutely right, I'm so happy that you brought him back with you.

Yes I think cats love people as much as dogs. I also think cats can process and absorb our emotions for us. When I was upset Billy would often sit on my solar plexus. The dog would lean on me. I learned recently when a dog leans on you bodily it's showing love.

 

[GreenHazel]

Thank you so much ladies, also on behalf of William
I truly appreciate the time you are dedicating to us, I know for some people these things are not seen as important, but animals give us so much to us, freely and unconditionally, I sometimes wish I could do much much more. Willy was my inspiration in becoming Vegan, just because of this.

Thank you Liselle for approving of my Catio idea; it's been ages that I want to build one, but I need to complete some renovation on the external walls before, and it's taking me forever. But I'll make it! I will post some pics here and will let you know how it works, if nothing else as a way to say thank you for your support. I hope you will have one too, one day. Do you live in a city?

Your interpretation sounds very similar to what I thought at the beginning, except that I thought the "meh" part was applying to 13.6... now that you say that, though, you are right... At home in the city he will be safe. Full stop. It doesn't mention happiness nor harmony. Meh indeed

Trojina, you are again right. He's not been neutered, not because of laziness, but as a choice. Past bad experiences with a previous cat. This is also the reason I need to contain him and currently use a leash.
I know it's a very controversial topic and I don't want to open a can of worms; you are right, he would be less territorial if I neutered him, but he's now almost 7, he has lived many years like this, he's a perfectly healthy happy cat with an incredible personality, very strong and independent but extremely sweet and playful too. I don't think I will change things now, but I will definitely consider it again should I have another cat.

Cats can absolutely process human emotions, I share this idea completely. This is why they also get stressed easily and have idiopatic cystites, I think? My impression is that more and more they are becoming "Healers", with all the burden, emotional intelligence and huge generosity that this implies.

God bless them all, I've been learning so much in terms of patience, dignity, true love and also how to have real fun from my cat. It's a joy for me seeing that these sentiments are shared, here.

Thank you.

 

[Liselle]

Any chance we could see a picture of William?

 

[GreenHazel]

Here, during a modeling session!

 

[GreenHazel]

 

[GreenHazel]

 

[Liselle]

What a handsome boy (and splendid photography)! Hi, William.

The third one he looks like he wants his cheeks rubbed and chin scratched.


(GreenHazel, if you want to make the photos a little smaller - they're taller than my screen, actually, and I can't see the whole thing at once - edit the posts, click on the pictures, then drag the little handles/boxes at the corners to resize. People can still view them at full size in lightbox view by clicking them.)

 

[GreenHazel]

Thank you Liselle! I've just resized them (didn't know it was possible!)
Yes he's gorgoues and he knows it, and yes, he looks tough but he's a cuddly boy! Is the one in your avatar your cat? He (or she?) is gorgeous too!!!

 

[Liselle]

Yes, his forum name is Toblerone, Toby for short. Trojina thought it up for him .

 

[GreenHazel]

He's amazingly beautiful. You people and animals have made my evening.

 

[Liselle]

It's nice to have a cat appreciation thread once in a while.

 

[Liselle]

Your interpretation sounds very similar to what I thought at the beginning, except that I thought the "meh" part was applying to 13.6... now that you say that, though, you are right... At home in the city he will be safe. Full stop. It doesn't mention happiness nor harmony. Meh indeed

It does say "Good fortune," though, which sounds better than "No regrets."

(I'm second-guessing, you see.)

As Marybluesky pointed out, it's also hard because you asked 2 questions at once.


Have you ever asked Yi about having him neutered? I don't want to open a can of worms, either, but Yi has a bias-free guarantee .

 

[IrfanK]

I wondered if he'd been neutered too. I even thought the line four, "He climbs up on his wall, he cannot attack" might refer to neutering to control his aggressive fighting tendencies, as part of moving into an environment where he is more likely to meet other male cats.

I really admire tom cats, un-neutered, but they are clearly much more trouble to have around in that state. Neutered cats, both male and female, also tend to live longer. Less likely to get diseases or injuries from other cats.

 

[Trojina]

It's nice to have a cat appreciation thread once in a while.

This is Toby at the keyboard, I can always tell. If he had his way all threads would be cat appreciation threads.

Glad to see autumn avatar back Toby. I like a seasonal avatar although I'm permanently in a summer pond.

 

[GreenHazel]

It does say "Good fortune," though, which sounds better than "No regrets."(I'm second-guessing, you see.) As Marybluesky pointed out, it's also hard because you asked 2 questions at once.

I know, this is why I had doubts. All in all I think that the I Ching is telling me that both solutions are ok, which is the reassurance I needed. And I'm taking in consideration all you guys told me, including Trojina channeling of what Willy wants I' ve decided to take a compromise approach: leave him with my mom if I have to leave for 2 or 3 days, take him with me all the other times when I'll stay longer.
In the meantime, I'll build the catio with my hands if I need to, I have promised him for so long now, he totally deserves it! How does it sound?

Have you ever asked Yi about having him neutered? I don't want to open a can of worms, either, but Yi has a bias-free guarantee .

No, actually now that I think of it, I never asked. It's a good idea though, I'll do it and then will definitely ask what you think, if I may.

I wondered if he'd been neutered too. I even thought the line four, "He climbs up on his wall, he cannot attack" might refer to neutering to control his aggressive fighting tendencies, as part of moving into an environment where he is more likely to meet other male cats.

I really admire tom cats, un-neutered, but they are clearly much more trouble to have around in that state. Neutered cats, both male and female, also tend to live longer. Less likely to get diseases or injuries from other cats.

Thank you IrfanK, I absolutely understand what you are saying. I had a very bad experience with neutering a previous cat though, he didn't live longer unfortunately. This is why I'm so scared. In any case, I will consider thinking about it again, will keep you guys posted. Thanks again!

 

[GreenHazel]

Just a quick feedback: I eventually took Willy with me for a week. It's been a BLISSFULL week.
No accidents, no wild animals except some wild boars at night and a stray cat the last day which we looked together from the kitchen window, which is higher than the others (the high wall?). He was very safe there.

Here's a pic for all of you cat lovers. Thank you so much for giving me courage and wisdom . *hugs from both of us!*

 

[Trojina]

Beautiful picture, so pleased it worked out for the week but what about longer term ?

 

[Liselle]

You take really good pictures, by the way. Are you a professional? Just look at him in various sun puddles.

Kitchen window sounds exactly like a nice safe high wall.

I think Trojina nailed it, both her cat-channelling and what she said about 63. (Simultaneous posting - good point about the future.)

 

[GreenHazel]

Beautiful picture, so pleased it worked out for the week but what about longer term ?

Longer term = catio
No worries, you will still have to cheer me up and encourage me when I'll have to go there for the works which will involve other works in the garden and on the roof (it will be noisy, and like all cats Willy hates noises and foreign people in HIS garden!) .

You take really good pictures, by the way. Are you a professional? Just look at him in various sun puddles.

Kitchen window sounds exactly like a nice safe high wall.

I think Trojina nailed it, both her cat-channelling and what she said about 63. (Simultaneous posting - good point about the future.)

Thank you so much, you are too kind. I'm a photographer.
All your answers made a huge difference for me.
And yes, the high wall!! The more I follow what the I Ching tells me, the more accurate the answers are becoming. It's truly mindblowing, sometimes.