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A grandmother does a floor stretch on a yoga mat while a blue point Siamese cat stretches beside her in the same pose. 14 / 20

Ruth Went Into a Slow Stretch. Misty Matched Her Pose Exactly.

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Down goes Ruth into a slow forward stretch, and down goes Misty into hers. They share a gray yoga mat in the middle of a sunny living room, grandma folded forward with arms reaching long, the blue point Siamese stretched low with front legs extended and her back end in the air. It is a remarkably similar shape. Around them lie signs of an ordinary morning, a flowery quilt, a teacup and reading glasses, a TV remote, a basket of blankets and a small toy mouse near the edge of the rug.

Cats stretch more than almost any other pet, and it is a normal, healthy habit. After a nap, their muscles are stiff, so they pull their limbs long to wake them up. Gentle stretching is good for people too, especially for older adults, as long as movements are slow and comfortable. Anyone starting a new exercise routine should talk to a doctor first, and it is wise to move at your own pace. If your cat suddenly stops stretching, moves stiffly or seems to struggle with jumping, mention it to your vet, since cats often hide discomfort. Otherwise, a daily stretch together is a charming, low-pressure way to start the day.

It is hard to tell who is leading and who is following. Ruth holds her pose and breathes out, while Misty holds hers with total conviction and a very serious face. Whatever stiffness the morning brought is being coaxed away. The remote can wait, the tea can cool and the sunbeam on the floor is plenty of encouragement.

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