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A white-haired woman in a green vest naps on the grass with her head resting beside a curled-up, sleeping Abyssinian cat. 24 / 34

Grandma Ruth Lay Down on the Lawn for Just a Minute. Saffron Curled Up Too.

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Two nappers, one patch of warm grass. Grandma Ruth lies on her side on the lawn with her eyes closed and her cheek resting gently against Saffron's back, one arm curved around him. Her green quilted vest is rumpled and her white hair spills onto the grass. Saffron has tucked himself into a tight, round curl, tail wrapped neatly around his body, eyes squeezed shut in blissful sleep. Behind them the yard stretches to a weathered fence, with potted plants, scattered fallen leaves, and late sunlight dappling the green. Neither of them seems the least bit interested in getting up.

Cats seek out sunny spots for good reason: they enjoy warmth and often choose the coziest place available to rest. A cat that curls into a tight ball is usually conserving body heat and feeling settled. Sleeping pressed against a person is also a sign of trust, since cats are vulnerable while they sleep. For people, resting outdoors with a pet can be wonderfully calming. Just keep a few things in mind when napping on the lawn: make sure the grass has not been recently treated with chemicals, watch for ants or ticks, and do not let a cat lie in strong sun for too long, especially in hot weather. Light-colored ears and noses can sunburn.

Eventually the shade will creep across the yard and one of them will stir. Until then, the lawn belongs to Ruth and Saffron, and the rest of the world can wait.

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