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A sleeping white-haired man lies back on a porch swing with a large silver Maine Coon stretched out on top of him. 8 / 36

Grandpa Lay Back on the Porch Swing. The Cat Chose His Chest

AI imagemaine coonporch swingnap

Harold has tipped his head back against the cushion with his eyes closed, one hand at rest and his mouth slightly open in sleep. Smoky lies draped across his chest like a heavy silver blanket, her green eyes narrowed to calm slits, her paws long and her ruff pillowy. A watering can, a pair of work boots, and a few flower pots surround the porch behind them. The afternoon light is warm and nobody has a thing to do.

Cats nap for much of the day, often twelve to sixteen hours, and many love choosing a warm person as a bed. Sleeping on your chest may be a way for a cat to share body heat and feel safe, and the gentle rise and fall of your breath can be calming. A large cat like a Maine Coon can weigh a good deal, so make sure you are comfortable, and keep an eye on the swing to be sure it is secure and cannot tip. Avoid leaving a cat unattended on a high, moving surface. A soft cushion and a light blanket help keep both of you cozy. If your cat seems to sleep far more or far less than usual, talk to your vet.

The swing has stopped, the afternoon has gone quiet, and two sleepers are sharing the cushion. It looks like the best use of a Saturday anyone could imagine.

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