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A grandmother in a cardigan sleeps on a blanket on the grass with a large tabby Maine Coon curled against her. 21 / 36

The Porch Light Came On and Both of Them Were Fast Asleep on the Grass

AI imagemaine coonlawn napdusk

The porch light has flicked on, but nobody on the lawn is moving. Nora lies on a plaid blanket in her cable-knit cardigan with her cheek resting on her arm, eyes closed and face totally at peace. Maple the Maine Coon is curled right against her, her striped fur thick and warm, one paw stretched out over the grass and her eyes shut tight. Behind them, a wooden fence and a few plants fade into the dusk, and the grass is damp with early evening.

A cat that chooses to sleep close to you is showing real trust, since sleeping is the time when animals are most vulnerable. Maine Coons are known for being sociable and affectionate, and many enjoy physical closeness with their people. Outdoor naps need some care, though. Grass can hide fleas, ticks and pesticides, so check her coat afterward and ask your vet about parasite control. Evenings cool down quickly, so a blanket helps, and a fenced yard keeps a cat from wandering off if she wakes suddenly. Dusk is also when other animals become active, so staying close is wise. Keep fresh water nearby and bring her in when the air gets cold.

Neither of them stirs when a moth bumps the porch bulb. The sky darkens by degrees and the air smells of cut grass. Whoever planned this nap was thinking of nothing but rest, and it has worked beautifully. In a little while one of them will wake, and the other will follow, and the night will go on as usual.

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A grandmother looks over vintage black-and-white photos on a wooden table while a large tabby Maine Coon sniffs them.Maple Inspected Each Old Photo Like a Careful Family HistorianA grandmother in a cardigan sews a patchwork quilt while a large tabby Maine Coon sleeps on the fabric beside her.A Quilt in Progress and a Sleeping Maine Coon on the Spare Fabric
A smiling grandmother leans from a wooden rocking chair toward a large tabby Maine Coon sleeping on a woven rug.Nora Stopped Rocking So She Wouldn't Wake the Sleeping Maine CoonA grandmother paints at an easel in a garden while a large tabby Maine Coon lies in the grass beside her.Nora Set Up Her Easel and Maple Became the Most Patient ModelA grandmother holds a large tabby Maine Coon wrapped in a cream blanket beside wet boots and an umbrella.Nora Wrapped Her Soggy Maine Coon in a Blanket at the DoorA grandmother whittles a piece of wood with a small knife while a large tabby Maine Coon sits among wood shavings.Wood Shavings Rained Down and Maple Tracked Every Single Curl