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A white-haired grandma in a green quilted vest reads a book aloud on the couch while an orange tabby sits gazing up at her. 6 / 29

Grandma Started Reading Her Book Out Loud. Marmalade Sat Up and Listened.

AI imageorange tabbyreadingcouch

A book lies open in Grandma Hazel's hands, and she is mid-sentence, lips parted as she reads aloud in a soft, steady voice. She sits on a beige sofa in her green quilted vest and grey sweater, white curls framing her face and glasses resting low on her nose. Marmalade sits upright beside her, ears forward, head tilted up toward her face as if waiting to find out what happens next. A knitted throw is draped behind them, a woven basket sits on the floor by the window, and a potted plant catches the pale daylight.

Cats are often more attentive to their people's voices than they let on. Many recognize their owner's voice and respond to familiar tones, even if they do not always come when called. Talking or reading to a cat can be calming for both of you, and a regular quiet routine helps many cats feel secure. Reading aloud has benefits for people too. It exercises memory and speech, adds a pleasant rhythm to the day, and gives a reason to sit and enjoy a book slowly. Some libraries and shelters even run programs where people read to animals, because animals make such patient, nonjudgmental listeners.

Of course, Marmalade may simply be waiting for Hazel to put the book down so he can claim her lap. Either way, he is giving the story his full attention.

Every reader deserves an audience this devoted. Hazel might have to read the next chapter twice, just to keep him happy.

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