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An older man sleeps in a canvas hammock strung between trees while a fluffy tuxedo cat dozes at his feet. 27 / 37

A Hammock Strung Between Two Oaks, and Two Very Serious Nappers

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Strung between two sturdy tree trunks in the backyard, the canvas hammock sags in exactly the right places. Grandpa lies stretched out with his arms folded, eyes closed and mouth relaxed, still wearing the vest with its pocketful of tools and fishing lures. At the foot of the hammock, Domino has curled into a tight black-and-white loaf, white paws tucked under his chest and eyes narrowed to sleepy slits. Behind them, the patio door stands open and a basket of laundry waits patiently on a chair.

If it seems like cats sleep most of the day, that's because they often do. Adult cats commonly spend many hours a day resting, and their sleep comes in a mix of light dozes and deeper stretches. That half-closed, "loaf" position, with paws tucked underneath, is a sign of a relaxed cat who still wants to stay a little alert. Cats also tend to choose sleeping spots that feel safe and warm, which often means right next to their favorite person. A noticeable change in an older cat's sleep habits, such as sleeping much more or seeming restless at night, is worth mentioning to your vet.

Domino has chosen the softest, most swaying spot in the yard and the best company to share it with. Hard to argue with that.

The laundry will still be there later. The breeze through the oaks might not.

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