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Grandma in glasses and a cream quilted vest reads a book aloud on the couch while a grey Scottish Fold sits in front of her. 24 / 27

Grandma Started Reading Out Loud and Found the Perfect Listener

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Golden late-day sun streams through the window, lighting up the pages of Ruth's book as she reads aloud in her warmest storytelling voice. She sits on the couch in a cream quilted vest over a green sweater, glasses on, a soft smile shaping each word. In front of her, nestled into the cushions, Pebble sits with his round face turned up and to the side, golden eyes catching the light. His folded ears and attentive posture make him look like the most devoted listener a reader could want. A knitted throw lies on the cushion beside her, and a cup sits on the side table near the window.

Reading aloud to pets isn't just sweet. Some libraries and schools run programs where children practice reading to calm animals, because a nonjudgmental listener can make reading feel less stressful. For older adults, reading aloud is also a pleasant way to keep the voice active and the mind engaged. Cats often respond to the familiar tone and rhythm of their person's voice, even if the story itself is lost on them. Many cats can recognize their owner's voice and may come closer or settle down when they hear it, which is one reason quiet routines like this become shared rituals.

Whatever the book is about, Pebble seems quite invested. Ruth may have to read the next chapter too, just to keep her audience happy.

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