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An elderly couple naps head to head on a backyard lawn while a ruddy Abyssinian cat lies in front of them, half awake. 15 / 38

Harold and Ruth Dozed Off on the Lawn. Somebody Stayed on Duty.

AI imageabyssiniannap timelawn

Lazy afternoons don't get much better than this. Harold and Ruth have stretched out on the soft backyard grass, heads leaning together, eyes closed, completely at peace. Harold's plaid sleeve is draped across a green blanket, and Ruth's cardigan is bunched comfortably around her shoulders. In front of them, Saffron lies sprawled on the lawn with her paws out, eyes heavy but not quite shut, like a sleepy guard who refuses to fully clock off. A wooden fence, potted plants, and a warm, golden light fill in the quiet scene.

Cats are famous nappers, often sleeping many hours a day in short stretches. Even while resting, they tend to stay partly alert, which is why a dozing cat may flick an ear at a sound or open one eye when something moves. Choosing a spot near their people is common, too; many cats feel safest resting close to someone they trust. If your cat enjoys outdoor naps with you, stay with it the whole time, offer shade and fresh water, and check the yard for plants that may be toxic to cats. A lightweight harness and leash can give extra peace of mind in an unfenced area.

There's something very sweet about three nappers in a row, each content to doze in the sun. Harold and Ruth may wake up with grass in their hair, but they'll wake up rested, with Saffron still standing watch.

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An elderly couple reads the newspaper by lamplight on a sofa while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sleeps curled on the man's lap.Harold Opened the Evening Paper. Saffron Had Already Picked Her Page.An elderly couple washes an old silver car in the driveway while a ruddy Abyssinian cat swipes at the spray from the hose.Harold Turned On the Hose to Rinse the Car. Saffron Took It Personally.
A ruddy Abyssinian cat crouches on the lawn eyeing a bouncing tennis ball while an elderly couple kneels behind, smiling.Harold Tossed a Tennis Ball Across the Yard, Not Expecting the Cat to Go for ItAn elderly couple shares a bowl of popcorn on a cozy couch while a ruddy Abyssinian cat lounges in the foreground.Harold Made the Popcorn, Ruth Picked the Movie, and Saffron Picked the Best SeatAn elderly woman reads aloud from a book on a sunny couch as her husband listens and a ruddy Abyssinian cat lies in front.Ruth Started Reading Aloud for Harold. Someone Else Got Comfortable First.An elderly couple sips lemonade on a weathered porch bench while a ruddy Abyssinian cat leans into the foreground.Two Glasses of Lemonade on the Porch, and One Very Curious Cat