Harold Opened the Sunday Paper. He Didn't Get Past Page Two.
Harold had the newspaper open to the sports page, and Bev was leaning over to read along. That was before Duchess arrived. Now the seal point Ragdoll lies curled across the middle of the paper and both their laps, her dark face tucked into her paws and her eyes squeezed shut in deep contentment. Harold looks down at her through his glasses with a resigned little smile, and Bev is grinning outright. Their matching cream cable-knit sweaters make the whole couch look like one soft nest. A houseplant sits by the window, and a plaid throw is bunched up behind them.
Why do cats love lying on newspapers, books, and laptops? There are a few likely reasons. Paper is a good insulator and holds warmth from your hands and lap. A spread-out paper also marks the center of your attention, and many cats want to be exactly where your focus is. Finally, the crinkly texture and fresh smell can simply be interesting. If it becomes a daily habit, some owners set a soft blanket or cat bed right beside their reading spot, which can give the cat closeness without sitting on the crossword. Then again, plenty of people happily give up the paper.
The headlines will have to wait. Duchess has made it clear that the most important news this morning is that she is comfortable, and Harold and Bev seem fine with that.
