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An elderly Black grandpa in a cardigan sleeps in a brown recliner while a Siamese cat sits alert on the armrest. 20 / 23

Grandpa Fell Asleep in His Recliner. His Siamese Stayed Wide Awake on Duty.

AI imagesiamese catreclinernaptime

The television is off, a mug of coffee has gone cold on the side table, and Grandpa Walter has drifted off in his well-loved brown recliner. His head is tipped back against the cushion, eyes closed, and his chunky oatmeal cardigan is bunched comfortably around him. Perched on the wide armrest, Sapphire is wide awake, front paws tucked neatly together and blue eyes staring straight ahead like a tiny guard on duty. Stacks of books, a tissue box, a knitted throw, a pair of glasses and a cluttered shelf of keepsakes fill the snug living room around them.

Many cats like to stay close to their people when they rest, and some seem to take on the role of watchful companion. Cats often sleep in short cycles throughout the day and night, and they can spend plenty of time resting with one eye open. For older adults, a short afternoon nap can be refreshing, though long or frequent daytime sleeping can be worth mentioning to a doctor. Recliners and pets do need a bit of care: cats sometimes crawl under or behind the chair, so it is a good idea to check before closing the footrest to avoid trapping a paw or tail.

There is something sweet about a household where one member naps while the other keeps watch. It is a quiet kind of teamwork.

Sapphire will hold her post until Walter wakes up. Then she will probably take her turn napping in the warm spot he leaves behind.

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