Ruth Sat Down at the Old Piano, and Someone Took the Seat Next to Her
The rainy afternoon called for music, so Ruth and Harold settled in at the old wooden keys by the window. Ruth, in a rust-colored cardigan, rests one hand on the ivory keys and laughs at something only the two of them understand. Harold, in a blue plaid shirt, leans in close with his glasses on, ready to join the next chorus. Between them on the worn wooden bench sits Miso, upright and composed, tail curled neatly around his paws, blue eyes turned toward the camera. He looks less like a pet and more like a page-turner who has been assigned to keep these two on tempo.
Many cats are drawn to pianos simply because their people spend time there, and the bench is often warm. Music itself can be calming for some cats, especially soft, steady melodies played at a gentle volume. Loud or sudden sounds, however, can startle them, since cats hear a much wider range of frequencies than people do. If your cat likes to sit with you while you play, keep the volume moderate and give it the option to leave. And if a cat likes walking across the keys, closing the lid when you are done can save your ears from a midnight concert.
Whether they play a hymn, a show tune or an old dance number, this little trio has a loyal audience of one. Miso might not clap, but he never once leaves his seat.
