Every Night Grandpa Hank Has One Last Job Before Bed
The living room is winding down for the night, a throw tossed over the armchair and a basket of toys waiting by the wall. Hank kneels on the wooden floor beside a big round gray pet bed, carefully tucking a soft cream knit blanket around Ziggy's shoulders. His face is full of tenderness, eyebrows raised, a small smile playing under his stubble. Ziggy lies snug in the plush bed, paws hidden under the blanket, gazing up with wide golden eyes as if he's waiting to hear a bedtime story.
Giving a cat its own cozy bed can be a lovely gesture, though cats tend to have strong opinions about where they sleep. Many prefer raised or enclosed spots where they can feel safe and see the room, and placing a bed in a quiet, draft-free area away from heavy foot traffic helps. Familiar smells make a big difference, so tucking in a blanket or old shirt that smells like their person can make a new bed far more appealing. Washing bedding regularly keeps it fresh and helps manage fleas and dander. Don't be discouraged if your cat ignores a new bed at first; it often takes time.
Ziggy, for his part, seems to be fully on board tonight. Tucked in by the person he loves best, he looks about two blinks away from a very good night's sleep.
