Otis Opened the Newspaper. Clementine Claimed Her Spot on His Lap.
The newspaper is open, the blanket is draped over the couch, and Otis is reading with his glasses perched on his nose. His olive cardigan looks just as soft as the blanket he is sitting on. Clementine has curled up on his lap in a tight calico spiral, her tail tucked around her feet and her face pressed into the crook of her own paw, sound asleep. A potted plant leans toward the window, a few books are stacked on the side table, and gentle daylight comes through thin curtains. The only sound is the faint rustle of newsprint.
Cats spend many hours sleeping, and curling up in a tight ball helps them stay warm. A lap is a perfect place, because it is warm, safe, and close to a favorite person. If you are reading and a cat settles in, try to hold still and avoid sudden movements, since cats that feel startled may jump or scratch. A soft blanket under her gives extra comfort, and a nearby water bowl is a good idea for when she wakes. Because cats enjoy routine, a regular reading hour can become part of her daily schedule. If a cat is sleeping much more than usual, or seems stiff or unwilling to move, it is smart to talk to your vet.
Otis turns the page very slowly, careful not to disturb his companion. The headlines can wait their turn, because the most important news of the afternoon is right there in his lap.






