Browse ›
Elderly couple sharing a wooden rocking chair by a rainy window with an orange cat asleep on a plaid blanket at their feet 13 / 33

Two People in One Rocking Chair Seemed Like Plenty. Toffee Found Room Anyway.

AI imageexotic shorthairrocking chairrainy day

Gray light seeps through the lace curtains and rain beads on the window, but inside it is all warmth. Harold and Bev have squeezed together into a single wooden rocking chair, her head resting against his cheek, both of them smiling with their eyes nearly closed. A cup of tea, a pair of reading glasses and a basket of yarn with knitting needles sit on the little table beside them. At their feet, curled on a folded plaid blanket, Toffee has given in completely to sleep. His orange tail drapes over the edge, his eyes are shut tight, and his round face is tucked down in total contentment.

Cats sleep a lot, often somewhere between twelve and sixteen hours a day, and many seem to sleep even more on gloomy, rainy afternoons. Much of that rest is light dozing, which lets them wake quickly if something interesting happens, but they also cycle into deeper sleep when they feel truly safe. A cat that chooses to nap right beside its people is usually showing trust and comfort. Giving a cat soft bedding in a warm, draft-free spot near where the family gathers can encourage this kind of peaceful rest. If a cat's sleeping habits change suddenly, such as sleeping far more or far less than usual, it is worth mentioning to your vet.

The chair creaks, the rain taps on the glass, and Toffee does not move a whisker. Some afternoons are simply meant for doing nothing together.

More from this collection

All 33 →
Elderly couple playing an upright piano together while an orange cat sits on the end of the keyboard staring aheadHarold and Bev Sat Down to Play Their Favorite Duet. The High Notes Were Taken.Elderly couple whittling wood on a porch bench as curled shavings fall to the boards beside a watchful orange catThe Wood Shavings Kept Falling. Toffee Kept a Very Careful Count.
Elderly couple kneeling to plant tomato seedlings in a raised bed while an orange cat digs in the dirt beside themHarold and Bev Planted Tomatoes All Morning. Toffee Was Planting Something Too.Elderly couple holding coffee mugs on wooden porch steps while an orange cat sits at their feet looking upBev Brought Out Two Cups of Coffee. Toffee Thought One Was for Him.Smiling elderly couple at a lace-covered tea table with cookies and cups while an orange cat sits on the table between themBev Set the Table With Her Best Lace for Afternoon Tea. One Guest Sat on It.Smiling elderly man holding a large orange cat in his arms beside his wife in front of wooden porch stepsToffee Made It All the Way Around the Block. Then He Made a Decision.