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An older man with a white mustache sews patchwork quilt squares while a silver tabby cat sleeps on a pile of fabric. 3 / 35

Grandpa Hank Swapped His Fishing Rod for a Needle. Pewter Found the Fabric First.

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Not every fishing vest is used for fishing. Grandpa Hank has his pockets full of scissors, pens, and a seam ripper, and he is bent over a patchwork quilt at the kitchen table, carefully pushing a needle through a square of faded floral cotton. His bushy white mustache twitches with concentration. Right beside him, Pewter has claimed the tallest stack of fabric squares as a mattress, curled into a tight silver swirl with his chin on his paw and eyes blissfully shut. A coffee mug, spools of thread, and a pile of folded quilts crowd the table, and a landscape painting hangs on the sunny wall.

Cats are drawn to piles of fabric for good reasons: they are soft, they hold warmth, and they often carry the scent of their favorite person. Unfortunately, sewing spaces also hold some of the riskiest objects in the house for cats. Needles with thread attached are especially dangerous, since a cat that plays with the thread may swallow both. Pins, buttons, and loose ribbon are other common hazards. A few simple habits help: keep needles in a closed case or magnetic holder, sweep for dropped pins after each session, and offer your cat a dedicated blanket or small quilt nearby so they can snuggle without sleeping on the work in progress. If you suspect your cat swallowed thread or a needle, contact your vet immediately.

The quilt will take a little longer with a cat on half the squares. But a project made with this much company is bound to turn out cozy.

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