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A silver-haired woman plays an old upright piano while a fluffy tortoiseshell cat sits on the bench beside her. 24 / 27

Maple Took the Piano Bench and Listened to Grandma Play

AI imagetortoiseshell catpianomusic

Grandma sits at an old wooden upright piano, her fingers resting on the ivory keys and her glasses low on her nose. Sheet music waits on the stand, and framed photographs, a houseplant, and a stack of folded laundry fill the shelves around the room. Beside her, Maple the fluffy tortoiseshell cat has taken the end of the bench, sitting tall with her head turned slightly and her eyes fixed on the keys. Her coat is a dark mix of brown, black, and copper. A faint haze of dust hangs in the window light.

Cats are drawn to the vibrations and movement of a piano, and many enjoy sitting close while someone plays. A cat's hearing is more sensitive than ours, so soft, gentle music is usually easier on her ears than loud notes. Keep the fallboard lid closed when you are not playing so she cannot get her paws caught, and give her a comfortable spot nearby. If she starts to look uneasy, let her leave the room. Many cats also like the warmth of a sunny spot near an old instrument.

Maple appears to be a thoughtful critic. She listens carefully and does not offer an opinion. Grandma plays on, and the room is warm with sound. Between songs, she blinks slowly, which is a cat's way of saying she is happy.

Music tastes best with a quiet listener.

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