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An older man in a cream cardigan naps on a plaid blanket on a sunny lawn with a grey cat curled asleep against his chest. 40 / 40

A Blanket on the Lawn, a Sunny Afternoon, and Two Who Gave Up on Chores

AI imagerussian bluenap timesunny lawn

A plaid blanket spread on the grass, a sunny afternoon, and nowhere to be: it's the perfect recipe for a nap. Grandpa lies on his side with his eyes closed, wrapped in a thick cream knit cardigan, his face relaxed in deep sleep. Curled into the curve of his arm, Sterling snoozes just as soundly, his thick grey fur glowing in the sunlight and one paw tucked against Grandpa's sleeve. Behind them, a tidy lawn stretches toward flower beds, potted plants, and the edge of a house with a wooden deck.

Cats are natural sun worshippers, and a warm patch of grass is one of their favorite places to stretch out. Sunbathing helps them stay warm without using extra energy. Still, a few precautions keep outdoor naps safe. Cats with light-colored or thin fur on their ears and noses can be prone to sunburn, so shade is a good idea during the hottest hours. Check that the lawn hasn't recently been treated with fertilizers or pesticides, which can be harmful if a cat licks its paws afterward. Keep fresh water nearby, and if your cat is not used to being outdoors, a harness and leash or a closely supervised area helps prevent wandering.

Some days are meant for chores, and some are meant for doing absolutely nothing alongside someone you love. Grandpa and Sterling have clearly decided which kind of day this is.

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