In "The Millionaire Fastlane," M.J. DeMarco uses the metaphor of money as a mischievous cat to illustrate how chasing after wealth can often lead to frustration and failure. Just like a cat that scurries away when pursued, money tends to evade those who are overly eager or desperate to obtain it. This analogy suggests that actively pursuing money can result in it being more elusive, as it hides away when attention is focused solely on catching it.

DeMarco encourages a different approach, advocating for individuals to concentrate on the endeavors and passions that genuinely attract them, rather than fixating on money itself. By doing so, money is likely to come naturally, much like a cat that, when ignored, decides to curl up and join you. The essence of his message is that success and wealth are often byproducts of pursuing meaningful goals and creating value, rather than directly chasing after cash.