Browse ›
An elderly woman in a purple cardigan sleeps in a brown recliner while a calico cat sits alert on the armrest. 6 / 21

Abuela Rosa Fell Asleep in Her Recliner. Her Calico Stayed on Duty.

AI imagecalico catreclinersenior companionship

The TV is off, the lamp is glowing, and Abuela Rosa lost the battle with her eyelids several minutes ago. She is sunk deep into a brown recliner, purple cardigan pulled over her floral apron, chin drifting toward her chest. Perched on the wide armrest beside her, Canela sits perfectly upright with her front paws together, wide awake and looking toward the room with an air of serious responsibility. A folded towel and a coffee mug sit on the TV stand, abandoned for the evening.

Many cat owners notice their pet staying close and alert while they sleep, and there is a reasonable explanation. Cats are both predators and potential prey in the wild, so they stay tuned in to their surroundings even when relaxed. A cat who parks herself next to a sleeping person is often choosing warmth and companionship, and she may simply be waiting for her person to wake up and resume normal service, such as treats. For seniors, this kind of steady, low-key companionship is one of the quiet perks of having a cat. Cats do not need long walks, they adapt well to calm households, and they still offer that feeling of someone being there. Just be sure an older cat has easy ways up to favorite perches, like a sturdy footstool, as joints stiffen with age.

Canela will not admit that she is guarding anyone. But she is not leaving that armrest until her person wakes up, and that says plenty.

More from this collection

All 21 →
An elderly woman wrapped in a patchwork quilt sits beside a lit fireplace with a fluffy calico cat nestled on her lap.A Gray Winter Day, a Patchwork Quilt, and One Calico Who Found the Best SeatAn elderly woman in a floral apron holds a calico cat at an outdoor farmers market with crates of fresh vegetables.Abuela Rosa Went Shopping for Tomatoes. She Didn't Bring a Tote Bag.
An elderly woman in a green sweater and floral apron holds a fluffy calico cat up to a window overlooking a snowy yard.Abuela Rosa Held Her Calico Up to Show Her the Snow. Canela Looked Elsewhere.An elderly woman flips pancakes in a skillet on a gas stove while a fluffy calico cat watches from the counter.Abuela Rosa Flipped the First Pancake. Her Calico Had Front-Row Seats.An elderly woman in a plaid shirt and floral apron walks down a dirt road at sunset with a fluffy calico cat beside her.Abuela Rosa Takes the Same Walk Every Sunset. She's No Longer the One Leading.An elderly woman sprays a dark car with a garden hose in a driveway while a calico cat leaps at the splashing water.Abuela Rosa Just Wanted to Wash the Car. Her Calico Had Other Ideas About the Hose.